Eric Tinkler amplifies VAR calls after Pirates’ controversial goal
After succumbing to a third defeat on the bounce, Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler has amplified calls for the PSL to introduce the Video Assistant Referee [VAR].
Cape Town City suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the in-form Orlando Pirates at the Orlando stadium on Tuesday evening.
Zakhele Lepasa scored his ninth goal of the new season in all competitions in the first half, while Patrick Maswanganyi was also on target for the Buccaneers in the latter stages.
And it was Patrick Maswanganyi’s goal in the second half that emerged as the bone of contention.
Cape Town City players protested, saying the ball didn’t cross the line, but the referee ignored their concerns.
WHY TINKLER VAR IMPLEMENTATION EXPEDITED
That decision all but left Eric Tinkler livid, calling for the PSL to hasten the introduction of VAR.
“Obviously, we would like to bring technology into our game. Like I said to you, that [goal] shouldn’t have been allowed.
“The ascendancy at that time was with us, and we ended up losing it because of it. At that stage, the players believed we could get back into the game because they saw that we had control.
“So those mistakes become costly mistakes that referees and lines-men are making. If we can bring in technology to help, then we should be doing that,” Tinkler said.
Several coaches, including Manqoba Mngqithi, Arthur Zwane and Owen da Gama, have previously called on authorities to expedite VAR implementation.
WHY VAR IMPLEMENTATION MUST BE EXPEDITED
Early this year, SAFA Referees Committee Chairperson Victor Gomes revealed plans to introduce VAR in South Africa.
The retired referee admitted that technology is the future and that the highly rated DStv Premiership cannot afford to be left behind.
Simply put, there have been efforts for the country to introduce VAR in the PSL following questionable decisions by referees.
On multiple occasions, coaches and fans have been left fuming over controversial officiating.
Meanwhile, the latest defeat saw City slip down to tenth position on the DStv Premiership standings. And Tinkler will hope to recharge his squad by the time they return to action in September when they are scheduled to take on AmaZulu.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers leapt to fourth position, and they will be more confident ahead of the MTN8 semi-finals. They are scheduled to take on Stellenbosch FC in an MTN8 clash on Sunday.
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