In recent matches, several Mamelodi Sundowns players have received red cards, sparking questions about whether they are becoming overly aggressive and playing dirty, or if they are simply unlucky.
Sundowns have accumulated nine red cards across all competitions this season, three of which have come in the Betway Premiership League, including one on Wednesday for Denis Onyango during their match against Marumo Gallants.
READ: Downs Star Backed For Player Of The Season Prize
Former Sundowns midfielder Chancy Gondwe believes there are various factors contributing to these red cards.
Gondwe, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew, explained that retaliation, power play, and bad luck all play a role in the incidents leading to these red cards.
"Its not all the times that you get the red card or be sent off because you are playing dirty or you are aggressive. At times it's retaliation from the opposition and that's most cases with Sundowns. Sundowns are not an aggressive team but sometimes you are pushed to play like that when the opposition is hard on you and the match officials do nothing to protect you. You feel like to have to protect yourself by retaliating and you end up being punished and that's the case with Sundowns in most of the red cards. And frustration on how the opponents tackle them takes its toll on them and that leads to retaliation, then yellow cards and red cards," Gondwe said to the Siya crew.
READ: Sundowns Set To Be Boosted By Bafana Stars
Gondwe also pointed out that some red cards are simply a matter of bad luck.
"Some of the cards like for Bathusi Aubaas in the Nedbank Cup against Sibanye Golden Stars was unlucky. Same with Tashreeq Matthews against Mpeni Home Defenders. It was unlucky for him to get a red card. So it's not always about being aggressive at all," Gondwe concluded.
