Orlando Pirates secured a controversial 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby.
Kaizer Chiefs fans were left infuriated after Orlando Pirates were awarded a debatable injury-time penalty during their 1-0 derby triumph over Amakhosi.
Ironically, the controversial penalty resulted in the Bucs winning the Soweto Derby after a cheeky chip from the spot from attacker Patrick Maswanganyi in the 96th minute to break Chiefs hearts.
So, was the penalty to the right decision or were Amakhosi robbed?
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PIRATES PENALTY CAUSES UPROAR AMONGST CHIEFS FANS
There is no doubt, any goal will cause frustration amongst opposition supporters. Especially, in the Soweto Derby. However, it is the nature of the goal that has caused an uproar from Chiefs fans.
Not only was it in injury time but the call itself is very debatable. So, let’s debate.
Initially, referee Masixole Bambiso allowed play to continue. This is Relebohile Mofokeng managed to stay on his feet. Thereafter, his shot went wide which is when the penalty was awarded. Bambiso pointed to the spot kick after he decided that Mofokeng was pulled back.
Therefore, causing frustration amongst Amakhosi fans and jubilation within the Bucs community.
SHOULD IT HAVE BEEN A PENALTY?
So, should it have been a penalty for Pirates against Chiefs? Legendary referee, Errol Sweeney has given his verdict.
“It’s important to note, once and for all, that refereeing decisions are subjective. In other words, it’s the referees decision alone. He can get assistance from his assistants on the 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,”Sweeney stated on SNL.
Meaning, the official makes the decision based on how he views the situation in real time.
ADVANTAGE WRONG, PENALTY RIGHT
However, Sweeney does feel that the timing of the spot kick being awarded from Bambiso was wrong.
“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 go back if an advantage doesn’t materialize. 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 am not sure what the South African referees are instructed to do, I don’t have contact with SAFA in that regard,” he added.
In summary, the penalty decision was correct. However, Sweeney feels that Bambiso should have awarded it immediately to avoid the confusion and frustration that ensued.
KAIZER CHIEFS FANS, DO YOU BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A PENALTY? IF NOT, WHY NOT? ORLANDO PIRATES SUPPORTERS, WAS THIS A FAIR PENALTY OR DID YOU GET LUCKY?
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