A refereeing expert has weighed in on the controversial Soweto Derby penalty that took centre stage in the dying minutes of the game between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on the weekend.
As many spectators at the sold-out FNB Stadium and those watching on television had anticipated a 0-0 draw, with the game already deep in referee’s optional time, a penalty was awarded to Pirates in the 94th minute after Chiefs defender Njabulo Blom was adjudged to have fouled Relebohile Mofokeng in the 18-yard box.
Soweto Derby Penalty: A Controversial Call in Stoppage Time
Initially, referee Masixole Bambiso had allowed play to continue despite the infringement, as Mofokeng had managed to stay on his feet despite the apparent pull from behind by his marker. However, after the red-hot Bucs star’s shot went wide, Bambiso pointed to the spot, leading to frustration among Amakhosi supporters and jubilation for Pirates fans.
Patrick Maswanganyi stepped up and converted the penalty with a Panenka-style finish, securing all three points for the Buccaneers, who moved to 30 points and kept their Betway Premiership title hopes alive. However, the penalty decision left many disappointed, including Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, who was visibly livid at the final whistle.
Former Referee Errol Sweeney’s Verdict
Speaking to Soccer Laduma, the legendary former referee Errol Sweeney weighed in on the Soweto Derby penalty and the referee’s decision, suggesting that the referee should have awarded the penalty immediately instead of playing the advantage.
“It’s important to note, once and for all, that refereeing decisions are subjective. In other words, it’s the referee’s decision alone. He can get assistance from his assistants 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 explained.
He further criticised the concept of allowing an advantage in such situations:
“Allowing an advantage is a dangerous thing because if it doesn’t come off, then the referee cannot go back, although in recent times I’ve noticed some do. Law 5 states, ‘The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final. The decisions of the referee and all other match officials must be respected.'”
Debate on Advantage in the Penalty Area
Sweeney also highlighted the key difference between football and rugby in terms of officiating.
“This is soccer, not rugby, where they do go back if an advantage doesn’t materialise. 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’m not sure what the South African referees are instructed to do—I don’t have any contact with SAFA in that regard,” he concluded.
The Need for VAR in the PSL?
This latest controversy has once again sparked calls for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the PSL. Many believe that VAR could help eliminate contentious decisions and improve officiating standards in crucial matches like the Soweto Derby. However, others argue that its implementation could lead to further delays and inconsistencies.
With the debate on officiating intensifying, SAFA and the PSL may need to re-evaluate refereeing protocols to ensure that match-defining decisions are handled with greater precision.
Related article: Pirates vs Chiefs: Maswanganyi’s Last-Minute Penalty Seals Soweto Derby 1-0 Victory for Pirates
