Veteran football administrator Peter Koutroulis has spoken out against public complaints by PSL club officials about referees and explained why match officials deserve respect.
Local match officials in the Betway Premiership and second-tier league have faced increasing criticism from the football community in recent times.
One referee who has come under fire is Abongile Tom, who officiated the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. Tom faced criticism for allowing a controversial Pirates goal to stand in the closing stages of the match, prompting strong reactions from many, including Stellies coach Steve Barker.
Koutroulis, currently the football manager at Casric Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, expressed his confusion regarding the logic behind teams publicly complaining about match officials instead of utilising the appropriate channels.
He called out club officials for their public criticism, emphasizing that referees are human beings who are prone to errors, just like anyone else.
KOUTROULIS SAYS CLUBS MUST ADDRESS REFEREE ISSUES PRIVATELY
“I must tell you something: people complain about referees. I am the one who appreciates the referees or the linesman [assistant referees]. Until now, we [Casric Stars] don’t have a single problem.
“But I must tell you something, even when I was at Magesi FC last season, I told them, ‘Guys, leave the referees alone’. Referees are human beings, but they make wrong decisions that would give people wrong perceptions,” he explained.
PETER KOUTROULIS EXPRESSES RESPECT FOR LOCAL REFEREES AMID PUBLIC CRITICISM
The Mamelodi Sundowns official Koutroulis went on to show support for local match officials amidst public criticism.
“For me, I respect [referees], and until now, we are happy about the officials, and I don’t have a problem. Listen, you can cry [about referees] and say, ‘No, this referee is a crook’; no, there are channels [to complain]. If you follow these channels, you don’t lose anything; be professional,” he said.
“If somebody hurt you, you got the video, you write a letter signed to the PSL, you copy SAFA, and you wait, that’s all. In my games, I have been pleased. Listen, a referee is a human being like me and you and can make mistakes.”
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