Sekhukhune-Swallows referee hit with heavy sanction

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Aug 22, 2023. 12:40

The referee in charge of the controversial DStv Premiership game between Sekhukhune United and Moroka Swallows on August 16 has been suspended for 16 weeks.

The Dube Birds emerged 2-1 victors at the Peter Mokaba Stadium to hand new head coach Steve Komphela his first win, although their second goal was contentious to say the least.

Babina Noko goalkeeper Badra Sangare was pushed over the line by Swallows striker Gabadinho Mhango after he claimed a cross under his crossbar in the fourth minute of stoppage time, but the goal was allowed to stand.

There have been renewed calls for VAR to be implemented in South Africa’s top flight in the wake of that incident and SAFA referees committee chairman Victor Gomes revealed that the match official has been punished for his poor performance in Polokwane.

“When we have video evidence that an error took place then we need to look at what happened. There is a review committee that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays and that’s where specific rehab programmes get designed,” Gomes said on Marawa Sports Worldwide.

“This official was sanctioned for 16 weeks, it’s the first time that I have seen that to be honest. There are many contributing factors to that decision, but I am happy with the length of the sanction.

“We are now sending officials to lower leagues and have them supervised and monitored so that when they come back, they are better and have more of an understanding.”