South African football fans, like most around the world, are unforgiving. A couple of bad touches, or a misplaced pass, and the whistles usually go up, followed by hands making the substitution sign.

Some professional footballers handle the abuse better than others, but it’s clear that Orlando Pirates striker Thamsanqa Gabuza is taking strain.

During Pirates’ PSL match against Black Leopards at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane last night, Gabuza completely lost his cool.

In the 37th minute, he crossed the ball into the box, and a Leopards player then scored a pretty terrible own goal. Gabuza clearly reckoned that providing the cross for the own goal vindicated his performance, tearing towards the Pirates fans and throwing his shirt in their direction.

Yellow card offence, of course. Here’s some of the drama unfolding:

If you’re going to take your shirt off to celebrate, do it properly.

This video shows Gabuza then making his way down the tunnel, after clashing with his own coach, Milutin Sredojevic, as teammates try and restrain him.

Good thing he isn’t coached by Mourinho:

So Gabuza does this after contributing towards an own goal. If he’d scored he was going to burn the stadium with all the fans in it mos??? pic.twitter.com/IywDRvxSYU

— #RacismMustFall (@Dips_T) August 28, 2018

Not a good look. But wait, there’s more – over to Goal:

Gabuza returned to the pitch with his knee heavily strapped at the start of the second half, but he was immediately sent off for his behaviour, leaving Pirates to finish the game with 10 men.

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic has tried to downplay the drama. Here’s Kick Off:

‘Micho’ was reluctant to comment on the situation, but says Gabuza exited the field with a knock.

“I’m personally not ready to comment regarding that (Gabuza walking off the field). It is something what is beyond technical aspects and the coach,” Sredojevic said.

“Our player Gabuza went off because prior to that he got kicked in his muscle and after the goal was scored because of that injury he left.

A bruised ego, maybe? Don’t reckon we’re buying that one, coach.

The club is expected to take disciplinary action against the 31-year-old, who has scored 11 goals in his 82 appearances for Pirates.

[sources:goal&kickoff]