Former FIFA referee Victor Hlungwani has weighed in on debates on whether Kaizer Chiefs are benefiting from referees’ decisions.
The veteran referee, Hlungwani, hang up his whistle last year in June after being in the game for over two decades.
He started blowing the whistle in 1991, aged 15, before joining the SAFA LFA in 1992.
Over the weekend, coach Barker was visibly angry when he spoke about the match official’s decision. He insisted that Chiefs were being favoured by the referee. And most of the decisions went against them.
The Stellies mentor went on reveal how unhappy he was with the referee and felt like his side was disadvantaged by the man in charge [match official].
In a post-match outburst, Barker said: “Disappointed in the referee today, he gave every decision to Kaizer Chiefs.”
“If you remember the game, I think they had maybe double-figure free kicks around the box. And Keagan Dolly had three or four pots, Happy Mashiane had some pots, Mduduzi Shabalala had some chances to take.
“I’m not denying that some of those free kicks were free kicks. But I’m not sure why we didn’t get any free kicks around the box. Especially when Iqraam Rayners was being held on many occasions.”
Hlungwani has since come forward to clear the air on the decisions taken by the referee and reckons that the match official was spot on.
VICTOR HLUNGWANI ON STEVE BARKER CLAIMS
“I watched the match live at the stadium. I compared the game to other matches. And tactically Chiefs has got fast runners or speedy wingers,” said Hlungwani on Metro FM [Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube] on Monday night.
“You look at Ashley Du Preez, Christian Saile and Keagan Dolly, those are fast runners. Many times defenders are caught off guard.
“Steve Barker must just do his job.”
THE RED CARD DECISION SPOT ON
The retired referee further stated that Sage Stephens’ red was the right call as he committed a tactical foul that deserves a straight red card.
“Red card for Sage Stephens was a good decision,” he added. “Two goalkeepers have got red cards because of Dolly. He is a smart player.”
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