A controversial refereeing decision marred the end of the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal between Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch.
With the score at 1-1, Pule Mmodi's stoppage-time goal, following a potential foul on goalkeeper Sage Stephens, was initially disallowed.
However, after consultation with the assistant referee, the referee overturned the decision, allowing Chiefs a goal, prompting furious reactions from Stellenbosch.
Chiefs legends Jimmy Tau and Stanton Fredericks, who are pundits on SuperSport, both stated the goal shouldn’t have been allowed as it was a foul on Stellenbosch goalkeeper Stephens.
“Sage Stephens gets fouled by Matlou, the ball hits [Thabo] Moloisane’s arm. It goes to [Pule] Mmodi’s direction who is in the offside position,” said Tau.
“First things first, it is a foul on Sage Stephens and wasn’t supposed to be given as a goal. Hence, the official there flagged for a foul but as to why he changed his decision, it will be really interesting to know.”
STANTON FREDERICKS BELIEVES REFEREE’S DECISION WAS INFLUENCED BY FANS PRESSURE
“By the time the referee and his assistant are there, I can imagine that the crowd’s pressure adds on to that decision,” said Fredericks.
“But having said that I just need to commend Steve Barker for keeping his calm, you can only imagine the disappointment. He rightfully stated it, three occasions where he felt it was totally a daylight robbery.
“You just got to feel for him here because I think that decision and the way in unfolded was just a little bit too disheartening for Stellies.”
When asked further if there was a foul on Sage Stephens, they both agreed, “Yes, 100%.”
