A Mpika United player in the Football Association of Zambia Division Two Muchinga has been arrested for assaulting a referee.
Richard Jere was assaulted by Collins Mukwala Mwengele during TAZARA Rangers League match encounter at Railways Grounds in Mpika last Sunday.
A police source said yesterday that Mwengele was cornered by police at Musakanya market at 15:00 hours on Monday after Jere lodged a complaint to Tazara police station.
During the match, Mwengele is said to have complained to Jere after he (Jere) yellow-carded Emmanuel Banda for fouling Saviour Masongozi, a Rangers midfielder in the 15th minute.
As Mwengele protested against the booking, Jere flashed another yellow card against him.
This angered Mwengele, who allegedly hurled insults at the referee.
The referee then red-carded Mwengele.
However, before Mwengele could leave the field of play, he turned to Jere and kicked him on the left knee twice, inflicting a severe pain.
This is the third time Mwengele has earned a red card for a similar offence since the commencement of FAZ league matches in Muchinga Province.
Commenting on the harassment of the referee, referee training officer, Sydney Chansa called on FAZ to take stringent action against the culprit to protect referees in the province.
Chansa commended police for their swift action in arresting the player, whom he described as indiscipline.
Meanwhile, Mwengele, who spent a night in Mpika police cells has been released following Jere’s decision to withdraw the assault case.