There has been an increasing amount of questions asked about refereeing decisions in South Africa recently.
The match between Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup also had a controversial incident, before Bucs won 4-2 on the day.
READ: What New Look Chiefs Could Look Like
Ex-Pirates coach Mike Makaab believes Pirates shouldn't have been given a penalty because according to the agent, the player who drew the foul, Makhehlene Makhaula went down softly from a Taariq Fielies tackle.
“Was it a penalty? No. In my opinion, absolutely not. You know when a defender can’t go up and challenge for the ball and you know when the attacking player falls softly, surely if not the referee, then the assistant referee should be able to pick that up,” Makaab told ExtraTime on Gagasi FM.
“I just think that it was a very, very crucial moment in the game, and it was a moment that I think swung the momentum,” continued Makaab.
To fully solve the problem, the football agent believes the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is the answer.
“VAR sooner than later. You know, let’s be honest here and sometimes I can’t be popular and I am going to be unpopular for saying this. We say that we are among the top leagues in the world and I agree.
“From an administrative point of view this league is unbelievably well run, without a doubt it is a top, top league. When you look at the money that some of the players earn, more than what is paid in certain leagues by certain clubs in Europe,” Makaab said.
“However, unless you start reducing the amount of uncertainty resulting from official decisions then you are going to have these question marks about the credibility of the league.
"Let me say this, VAR is not perfect but there is little doubt in my mind they would’ve picked this up,” he added.
There were also two high profile incidents involving Mamelodi Sundowns recently. The Brazilians conceded a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Moroka Swallows on Monday where it was alleged that the referee on the field might have consulted with "VAR" to reverse the initial offside call.
In the previous game, Sundowns scored a penalty in the 1-0 win against Cape Town Spurs where replays show the foul was just outside the box. Though, depending on the interpretation of the rule for the momentum of the attacker, a VAR could have a closer look to make sure the best decision is made.
READ: MLS Interest Mounting In Moloisane
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
