SuperSport commentator Phumlani Miya has sparked a heated debate following a controversial remark made around Aden McCartthy during the Betway Premiership clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Richards Bay FC. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
SuperSport commentator Phumlani Miya is facing mounting criticism after an alleged, racially charged remark made during the Betway Premiership match on Tuesday night between Kaizer Chiefs and Richards Bay FC sparked widespread backlash on social media.
The controversy stems from an on-field confrontation involving Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy and Richards Bay midfielder Lundi Mahlala.
As the two players went head-to-head, Miya made a comment referencing “a coloured person and war,” a phrase many viewers interpreted as reinforcing a harmful stereotype that associates coloured people with aggression and violence.
The clip circulated rapidly on X (formerly Twitter), with fans tagging SuperSport and calling for action against the commentator.
One user, Dabane The Duiker, wrote: “Dear @SuperSportTV @SSFootball @DStv, please speak to your employee, this kind of commentary can’t be condoned.”
Reaction to the incident has been divided. Some users called for disciplinary measures, arguing that such remarks fall outside the scope of football commentary.
OKTEEO (@thesilentbeaco) said: “He needs to be taken to disciplinary hearing. This is out of the job description.” Another user, MissPalulu, added: “It’s quite unsavoury and amateurish.”
Others urged restraint, cautioning against immediate calls for dismissal.
User Real African (@phillibecks) wrote: “We must not be quick in calling for firing of our black brothers … US black people are busy advocating for the downfall of our fellow black man. I hope one day we will start loving each other.”
Legal commentator Village Lawyer (@Malatji__) acknowledged the seriousness of the remark but argued for corrective action rather than punitive measures.
“Grossly inappropriate but I think it’s a matter of teaching and correcting his conduct,” he said, adding: “He isn’t even aware that this is inappropriate because this is the language used daily in our communities.”
As of publication, the broadcast tycoons have not issued an official statement addressing the incident or outlining any disciplinary steps.
The episode has once again highlighted the responsibility of broadcasters to uphold non-racial and professional standards, particularly in a country where historical and social sensitivities remain deeply entrenched.