Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena was not a happy man as he believes "VAR" was used in his match against Moroka Swallows on Monday night.
The Brazilians drew 2-2 against The Birds as the champions threw away a 2-0 lead in a manner Mokwena was not pleased with, conceding a late equaliser.
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To make matters worse, the Gabadinho Mhango goal came under controversial circumstances where the Malawi player was clearly offside initially, the referee called him offside but then his goal stood because the officials had decided the pass was received from a Sundowns player.
This was arguably the correct decision but Mokwena believes the referee had allegedly received help from his earpiece through the video replay, and VAR is not used in South African football.
“I don’t need an explanation, it’s the third time this season Sundowns has VAR, the third time this season and you are not writing about it. If both goals are offside, the first and second one, they’re offside,” Mokwena told media in the press conference post-match.
“I don’t need to explain, I studied the game very well, you can ask me about any law of the game. I know the laws of the game, it’s one of the most important things to know before you coach,” he added.
The assistant referee had his flag up for offside which raised questions by those watching the game including the Sundowns coach.
“It’s the third time this season. I’m waiting for you guys to write it because now you must focus on things that are not football, are you not football journalists?
“It’s not a mistake, the assistant referee puts the flag for offside and then they consult, who are you consulting?
“Who is Jelly (Chavani) consulting? You tell me. He went to the assistant ref? VAR? We have VAR in South Africa all of a sudden?” Mokwena quizzed.
The Brazilians mentor then went on to state that these situations would give South African football a bad name.
“It’s South African football. Everyone watches this game worldwide. I have people from Europe who watch every single Sundowns game. What do you think they write about South African football? What is their perception when they see that?
“So that’s the biggest thing, it’s not for me. I’m not as important as South African football. The game will live beyond me so what happens to the image and reputation of South African football? Every week coaches complain (about the) officials,” Mokwena said.
To the contary, it is possible that the referee was not consulting with any video assistant replay viewer, and that he was simply talking to a different official on the field.
Masandawana are on the road this weekend when they face Tunisian giants ES Tunis in the first-leg of the CAF Champions League semi-finals on Saturday night.
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