Christopher Sededzi Kwame

<p>Football, often hailed as "<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/articles/sports/football/4-reasons-current-black-stars-players-perform-better-for-their-clubs-than-the-2024102815183331082">the beautiful game</a>," has provided moments of exhilaration, heartbreak, and, unfortunately, violence. In regions where the sport is deeply revered, intense rivalries can sometimes escalate into dangerous confrontations, placing players, officials, and fans at risk.</p>

<h2>The fatal incident in Kenton-on-Sea, South Africa (2004)</h2>

<p>In one of the most shocking incidents in football history, a South African referee fatally shot a coach during a lower-league friendly match in Kenton-on-Sea in 2004.</p>

<p>According to reports by Adam Zmudzinski, the tragic event unfolded following a contentious yellow card and a disputed penalty decision.</p>

<p>The Marcelle team’s coach, angered by the referee’s ruling, stormed onto the pitch, igniting a heated confrontation.</p>

<p>In a dramatic and unforeseen escalation, the referee—who had reportedly carried a firearm for self-protection—drew his weapon and shot the coach in the chest, killing him instantly. The chaotic scene left two additional players injured.</p>

<h2>Brazil 2015: Referee pulls a gun mid-match</h2>

<p>A similarly disturbing incident occurred in 2015 when Brazilian referee Gabriel Murta made global headlines for pulling out a firearm during an amateur league match between Brumadinho and Amantes da Bola in the Minas Gerais region.</p>

<p>Murta, who was also a police officer, reacted aggressively after players began confronting him over a decision. As tensions escalated, he left the pitch and returned with a handgun, shocking players, officials, and spectators.</p>

<p>Though no shots were fired, the event raised serious concerns about security and referee conduct in football.</p>

<h2>Honduras 2021: A referee defends himself with a firearm</h2>

<p>In August 2021, yet another alarming incident occurred in Copan, Honduras, where a referee brandished a firearm to protect himself from an enraged crowd.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/articles/sports/video-rangers-and-manchester-united-hooligans-clash-and-throw-bottles-at-each-other-2025012411301848427">Fans and players,</a> furious over his officiating decisions, stormed the field, forcing the official to draw his gun in self-defence. The match descended into chaos, further highlighting the dangers referees face in volatile environments.</p>

<p>While these incidents remain isolated, they serve as stark reminders of the risks referees encounter, particularly in grassroots and amateur leagues, where security measures are often inadequate.</p>

<p>The passion and intensity of football must never compromise safety. Authorities must take proactive steps to prevent such extreme occurrences, ensuring that football remains a game of unity, not violence.</p>

Shocking incidents involving referees who pulled a gun during football games.

3 referees who shocked the world by pulling guns during football matches

<p>From the dusty grounds of “Sakora” parks to state-of-the-art arenas, <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/articles/sports/football/africa-cup-of-nations-is-bigger-than-the-world-cup-for-me-otto-addo-2024111914581346562">African football </a>has witnessed a remarkable evolution.</p>

<p>The transformation of infrastructure reflects the continent's passion for the sport and its commitment to showcasing it on a global stage.</p>

<p>But which stadium holds the crown as the most expensive in Africa? How much did it cost to bring this architectural marvel to life, and where is it located?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Football in Africa is undoubtedly on the rise, positioning itself as a central element of the continent's cultural and sporting identity.</p>

<p>Alongside this rise, breathtaking stadia have emerged, redefining the spectator experience and setting the stage for thrilling moments in football history.</p>

<h2>10. Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium – $53 million</h2>

<p>Inaugurated in 2007, the national stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, bears the name of the country’s third president, Benjamin Mkapa.</p>

<p>With a seating capacity of 60,000, it ranks as the eleventh-largest stadium in Africa. Constructed by the Beijing Construction Engineering Group at a cost of $56 million</p>

<h2>9. Stade Olympique de Radès – $110 million</h2>

<p>The Stade Olympique de Radès, located in Radès, Tunisia, is a landmark in African sports infrastructure.</p>

<p>With a seating capacity of 60,000, it stands as one of the largest and most iconic stadiums on the continent. Officially inaugurated in 2001, the stadium was primarily constructed to host the Mediterranean Games, showcasing Tunisia’s ambition to deliver a world-class sporting facility.</p>

<p>The stadium is home to two of Tunisia's most prominent football clubs, <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/articles/sports/football/2025-fifa-club-world-cup-al-ahly-to-face-messis-inter-miami-in-group-stage-2024120607561274989">Espérance Sportive de Tunis </a>and Club Africain, which regularly play their home matches there.</p>

<h2>8. Mbombela Stadium – $140 million</h2>

<p>Mbombela Stadium was one of the ten stadiums that played host to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.</p>

<p>The 40,929-capacity stadium was one of the newly built stadiums in South Africa to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.</p>

<h2>7. Peter Mokaba Stadium – $150 million</h2>

<p>The Peter Mokaba Stadium, located in Polokwane, <a class="autolink-enabled" data-resource-id="1745" data-resource-type="team" data-sport="football" href="https://temp-team.com/team-1745">South Africa</a>, is a prominent multi-purpose sports venue with a seating capacity of 45,500.</p>

<p>Constructed for the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/articles/news/filla/asamoah-gyan-deliberately-missed-the-2010-world-cup-penalty-because-ndc-was-in-power-2024092709312255226">2010 FIFA World Cup</a>, it hosted several key matches during the tournament, contributing to the global celebration of football in Africa. Built at a cost of $150 million, it ranks as the seventh most expensive stadium on the continent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although primarily designed for football, the stadium has also been a venue for rugby matches and other major events, making it a versatile addition to South Africa’s sports infrastructure.</p>

<h2>6. Estádio 11 de Novembro – $227 million</h2>

<p>The Estadio 11 de Novembro is located in the capital of Angola, Luanda. The 55,000-capacity stadium hosted nine matches of the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/articles/black-stars/gyan-criticises-milos-decision-to-take-him-off-during-2010-afcon-final-2024072417145881012">2010 Africa Cup of Nations</a>. It is not only for football use, but it’s a multi-purpose stadium.</p>

<h2>5. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – $270 million</h2>

<p>The <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/articles/sports/10-most-expensive-stadiums-in-africa-2025012420200085471">Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium</a> is one of the most expensive stadiums in Africa, with a construction cost of $270 million, making it the fifth most expensive. The stadium was named after South Africa's first president, Nelson Mandela. It was one of the coastal stadiums built to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It cost about Rand 2.05 billion. It was opened in 2007 but was renovated and expanded in 2009.</p>

<h2>4. Abuja Stadium – $360 million</h2>

<p>The stadium is located in the capital city of Nigeria. This stadium is home to the Nigerian national football team and is also the host of a number of sporting events. It is by far the largest stadium in Nigeria, with a capacity of 60,491.</p>

<p>The FNB stadium is popularly known as the “Soccer City” or the “Calabash” to the people. The Johannesburg stadium is home to PSL giants&nbsp;Kaizer Chiefs and the South African national team. It has a capacity of 94,736, also making it one of the finest and biggest football stadiums in the world.</p>

<h2>2. Moses Mabhida Stadium – $450 million</h2>

<p>The 54,000-seater stadium is located in Durban, South Africa. During the 2010 World Cup, the stadium was expanded to a 62,760-seater to cater to the World Cup games.</p>

<h2>1. Cape Town Stadium – $600 million</h2>

<p>The 55,000-seater stadium takes up top spot as the most expensive stadium in Africa, with a building cost of $600 million. It has a capacity of 55,000 but was expanded to 64,100 at the 2010 World Cup, which was hosted by <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/articles/sports/womens-afcon-ghana-paired-with-south-africa-mali-and-tanzania-in-group-c-2024112220481793168">South Africa</a>.</p>

List of the top 10 most expensive stadiums in Africa. This is how much it cost to build them.

10 most expensive stadiums in Africa

<p>The club's statement confirmed the news: </p>

<p>"Erik Ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men's first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024."</p>

<p>The statement continued: "We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future."</p>

<p>Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in as interim head coach, backed by the current coaching staff, while the search for a permanent manager begins.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United are discussing internally to sack Erik ten Hag with immediate effect!<br><br>Understand Ruud van Nistelrooy would stay as interim manager if all goes to plan in internal talks. <a href="https://t.co/GXwTAHmGcb">pic.twitter.com/GXwTAHmGcb</a></p>&mdash; Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1850865816637415714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<p>United's poor form has left them 14th in the Premier League, with just 11 points from their first nine games. Ten Hag's dismissal follows their latest defeat, a 2-1 loss to the Hammers West Ham United on Sunday afternoon. </p>

<p>Speculation is already rife about Ten Hag's replacement. Brentford's Thomas Frank is a favorite among some United decision-makers, while sporting director Dan Ashworth is said to be keen on Eddie Howe, following their successful collaboration at Newcastle. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has also been linked to the role, and reports from Spain suggest former Barcelona boss Xavi has been in talks with United officials.</p>

<p>The race to find Manchester United's next manager is on—who will be the one to turn the Red Devils' fortunes around?</p>

Manchester United has parted ways with manager Erik Ten Hag following a series of disappointing results this season.

Manchester United finally fire Erik Ten Hag

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Christopher Sededzi Kwame

Articles written by the author

3 referees who shocked the world by pulling guns during football matches

10 most expensive stadiums in Africa

Manchester United finally fire Erik Ten Hag