A Manenberg Rangers player has been banned for life after assaulting a referee during a club match in Paarl.
A Manenberg Rangers player has been banned for life after assaulting a referee during a club match in Paarl.
The shocking incident happened last Saturday during the clash between the Rangers and Albions at Dal Josafat Sports Ground.
Gerwel was in the process of issuing a red card to Manenberg centre Yaseen Elliot when the player suddenly lashed out.
I don’t know what was going through his mind,” Gerwel told Rapport.
In video footage of the attack, Elliot can be seen striking Gerwel before Albions players surround the referee and escort him safely off the field. Gerwel was left with a swollen face and a sore jaw but is recovering.
The Western Province Rugby Union confirmed that Elliot had been banned for life.
Elliot, who represented an unnamed club within the Western Province league, was found guilty of gross misconduct after an incident that reportedly involved a physical assault on a referee during a recent match. The union conducted a thorough investigation, including video analysis and eyewitness accounts, before handing down the lifetime ban — the harshest penalty available under WPRU regulations.
In a statement released to the media, the WPRU said, “The decision to impose a lifetime ban was not taken lightly. The union has zero tolerance for violence, especially towards match officials. The safety and integrity of everyone involved in the game must be upheld at all times.”
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with many calling for stronger measures to protect referees and ensure discipline at all levels of the sport. South African Rugby Referees Association also welcomed the decision, calling it a vital step in reinforcing respect for the whistleblowers who are critical to the game.
While the name of the specific club has not been made public, sources suggest that further action may be taken against the team involved if it is found that they failed to control their players or adequately address the incident.
Elliot will no longer be permitted to play, coach, officiate, or participate in any rugby-related activities under the jurisdiction of the WPRU. The case serves as a stark reminder that violence on the field will not be tolerated and that rugby’s core values respect, integrity, and discipline must remain non-negotiable
