A refereeing expert has weighed in on the controversial decision that took centre stage in the dying minutes of the game between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on the weekend.
As many spectators at the sold-out FNB Stadium and those who were watching on television had anticipated a 0-0 draw, with the game already deep in referee's optional time, a penalty was awarded to Pirates in the 94th minute after Chiefs defender Njabulo Blom was adjudged to have fouled Relebohile Mofokeng in the 18-yard box.
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Initially, referee Masixole Bambiso had allowed play to continue despite the infringement as Mofokeng had managed to remain on his feet despite the apparent pull on him from the back by his marker.
It was after the red-hot Bucs star's shot had gone wide that Bambiso pointed to the spot to the dismay of Amakhosi supporters and jubilation for the home team's followers.
Patrick Maswanganyi took the spot kick and he calmly put it in the back of the net in an incredible Panenka style to take the Buccaneers to 30 points and to keep the team in the race for the Betway Premiership title.
However, the penalty decision left many in disappointment, including Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi who was visibly livid after the referee's final whistle.
Legendary former referee Errol Sweeney has suggested that the referee should have given a penalty immediately instead of playing an advantage.
"It's important to note, once and for all, that refereeing decisions are subjective. In other words, it's the referee's decision, alone. He can get assistance from his assistants or the fourth official. Over here in Europe, the video assistant referee (VAR) can also intervene to help, but at the end of the day it's the referee's decision, and his alone. Allowing an advantage is a dangerous thing because if it doesn't come off then the referee, he cannot go back, although in recent times I've noticed some do. This is soccer, not rugby where they do go back if an advantage doesn't materialise. As a young referee I was always advised not to give advantages in the penalty area, and I stuck by that unless it was very clear and obvious. I'm not sure what the South African referees are instructed to do, I don't have any contact with SAFA in that regard," said Sweeney, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
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"Law 5 states, 'the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final. The decisions of the referee and all other match officials must be respected'," the retired Ireland-based official added.
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By Masebe Qina
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