Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has addressed the high number of red cards at the club, claiming that referees are giving out ‘easy cards’ to his players.
Cardoso was speaking on Wednesday after the Brazilians defeated Marumo Gallants 3-1 in the Betway Premiership at the DR Molemela Stadium. Sundowns came from a goal down to clinch a hard-fought victory over Dan Malesela’s side.
Marumo Gallants opened the scoring in the first half through AmaZulu FC loanee Junior Dion, while Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro, and Iqraam Rayners netted for Sundowns.
In a crucial league encounter against the Bloemfontein-based outfit, Sundowns were reduced to 10-man after goalkeeper Denis Onyango was sent off in the dying minutes of the match.
The Ugandan international was given a second yellow card of the match for a foul on Gabadinho Mhango on the edge of the penalty box.
Interestingly, this was Onyango’s second red card of the campaign after getting sent off against Polokwane City FC in the MTN8 early in the season.
After Onyango’s red card, Thapelo Morena had to take the unfamiliar role between the sticks as Sundowns had exhausted all their substitutions for the day.
So far this season, Sundowns have received nine red cards. In their previous match in the Nedbank Cup Last 16, Tashreeq Matthews was given an early shower against minnows Mpheni Home Defenders at Lucas Moripe Stadium last Sunday.
MIGUEL CARDOSO CLAIMS THAT RED CARDS ARE GIVEN EASILY TO SUNDOWNS
Cardoso registered his concerns regarding the incidence of red cards, indicating his belief that his players are subject to unduly harsh officiating.
“I think the outcome of the match [against Marumo Gallants] was fair but the way we finished the game was not the best one, having to deal with a red card again,” Cardoso said.
“I think the cards are becoming too easy to be given to our players. It has nothing to do with Marumo, but teams that play against Sundowns, in general, always find a way to stop the game, and I don’t see players getting yellow cards for time wasting.
“Denis got the first yellow and second yellow card which makes it a red card but I think the cards are very cheap for Sundowns, they’re coming our very easily.”
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