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.