Castle Lager Premier Soccer League referee Quedisani Dirwai is once again under intense scrutiny, with football fans calling for a lifetime ban following another controversial officiating performance during Scottland FC's goalless draw against MWOS at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.
Dirwai found himself at the centre of the storm after waving away strong appeals for a penalty from MWOS deep into stoppage time in a match that ended 0-0. The decision sparked outrage among supporters, with many taking to social media to question why the referee continues to handle high-profile fixtures despite his history of controversial decisions.
The latest incident has reignited debate over the quality of officiating in Zimbabwean football, a subject that has repeatedly dominated discussions in recent seasons.
Dirwai was previously suspended for six Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) after his performance during the FC Platinum and Dynamos clash at Mandava Stadium was deemed to have fallen below the required professional standards. The match was abandoned after Dynamos players protested a penalty awarded by the referee. ZIFA said a review, which included the match commissioner's report, found that Dirwai's officiating fell short of the standards expected at Premier League level.
The referee has also been linked to other controversial matches, including the abandoned Scottland FC and Chicken Inn encounter at Rufaro Stadium, where a disputed late penalty decision triggered protests from the visitors.
Following Saturday's match, football supporters did not hold back in expressing their frustrations.
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"He shouldn't be given big matches and, now that his reputation is well known, let him officiate relegation battles or Division One matches involving teams like Agama and TelOne," said football fan Beta Dhliwayo.
Another supporter, identified as Flav Mag, called for stronger action.
"A lifetime ban is the best option to rid football of these scandalous referees," he said.
Elvis Foloma echoed similar sentiments.
"This one must be banned from PSL matches for life. Maybe he should be officiating in social leagues," he said.
Shupa Mbufana said controversial officiating decisions were contributing to violence and tension at football grounds.
"He is not a suitable referee. It's better to ban him for life because it creates many problems on the field, including fights among supporters and, in some situations, even loss of life," he said.
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