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Erring Telkom Final ref faces punishment

Erring Telkom Final ref faces punishment

Posted: 2007-12-06 06:50

The Referees’ review committee chairman Steve Goddard has admitted that it was a grave fault for Abdul Ebrahim to allow Mamelodi Sundowns to make a substitution after extra-time in the Telkom Knockout Cup Final at Loftus at the weekend.

With 120 minutes over, Sundowns’ coach Gordon Igesund brought in Patrick Apataki for Benson Mhlongo just before the start of the penalties.

Apataki went on to miss from the spot but it could have turned into a really dubious matter had Kaizer Chiefs gone on to lose the match as they would have been within their rights to lodge an appeal.

"That is not allowed according to Fifa," concedes Goddard.

But what action is due to be taken against the match officials who failed to adhere to the rules of the game?

“We have investigated the situation and forwarded our recommendations to the referees’ chairman who will then issue a statement on whatever has to be said on the matter.

“It is not within my powers to divulge what action the authorities handling the matter will take. But it is an offence for which an official could be punished by suspension or a fine.

“How serious the matter is will be determined by the authorities who are handling the matter but proper procedure will obviously be adhered to. Referees have a code of ethics to adhere to and I am sure the decision will be made known by the end of the week.”

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Nelson: 2007-12-06 07:08

In whatever you do there is a Gurdian Angel for the Referee the Gurdian Angel was Mr. Khune reason being if he could save those penalties it would be a disaster now.

But according to the atmosphere that happened with coach Gordon shouting at him cause that time he was calling the referee and advising him to watch Chiefs Goalkeeper as he would move before the spot kick.

I was looking at that but as Nyandoro failed to convert he was suprised that a Keeper moved according to the rules.

Then for the official of the day yes there must be punishment but accept that that was a Human error after all the things was happening at the Stadium cause I was looking at it I was there.

Victor: 2007-12-06 07:48

The referee must be punished. So many times we flock to stadiums only to be let down by poor officiating. Our match officials not the players seems to be the ones that are always under pressure. An example needs to be set with Mr Ebrahim. It's is very important for a referee to know what he/she is doing as he/she is the one that control the flow of the game. Victor

Siqalo Court: 2007-12-06 08:12

Good people, it was a human error but dont crucify the the referee for poor performance by Sundown penalty shooters, it was one of those days, one had to win and one had to loose. Stop crying over a split milk, Chiefs won the final, end of story.

johny oageng: 2007-12-06 08:43

Well i was also taken aback by the substitution made made by sundowns after 30 minutes of extra time,how on earth can the referee allow that?But i would say that was a human error.For Apataki i knew he would miss the spot kick as he came in without even warming up tough luck Sundowns...Black leopard put the nail in the coffin again rest in peace 2-1..are u still busy counting last year's passes against kaizer Chiefs?It is time for Gordon Igesund to introduce youth ang get rid of old guys...remember it is never too late if you want to keep your job take my advise.Remember late 90's the likes of Fire Masilela,Dan Semake;Mambush Mudau;Magolego;Themba those guys were from development..what's is the use to have development structures and not promote guys from that rank...u see first team players have gained weight they can't run finish and klaar...

Steve: 2007-12-06 09:04

In so many occasions, i have seen referees making obvious mistakes, but to my suprise these guys always look confidence showing that they are correct. We are tired of those obvious mistakes as they are killing our beautiful game. That would have changed the complexion of the game if it wasn't for Khune. I can tolerate a mistake where a referee did not observe because of position, but that one needs no observation. Mr. ref simply needed to showcase his knowledge, and exercised a right decision. He was exposed that he does not know the rules but yet he qualifies to work as a ref. He should get the punishment he deserves. Had it gone the other way, what was SAFA going to say to chiefs? Replay or what?

pius: 2007-12-06 11:29

This is not the first time a referee makes a wrong decision against Amakhosi in this Cup alone. Remember against Swallows? Kaizer jnr was denied a brace by some dubius officiating... who knows what that brace would have done for the boy to regain his form. What is going to happen to those officials of that day... are they getting any punishment as well? It`s obvious the officials did not want Chiefs to win this cup... from Freedom.

joe wa: 2007-12-06 12:26

surely we sick & tired of the refrees who commit some amateurish mistakes week in week out maybe the punishment will send a strong message to the other refrees and make them aware that they are not above the law. i also think the refrees perfomance should be evaluated after every match and the report must be open to the public.

Tumi: 2007-12-06 12:43

Gentlemen, i do agree on human error sometimes being the reason for us to turn a blind eye, but until when will we be forgiving for "stupid" mistakes, rules are meant to be uphold by the men in charge, in this case there were 4 men, you can't tell me that all 4 of them didn't know the rule. In some instance the Sundowns technical team must also be charge with this "crime". They are misleading the nation and telling us that its ok to cheat. As much as we need to start growing as a soccer fratanity, our professionals need to take accountability of their actions.

songezo: 2007-12-06 22:46

Agree with Sqalo let us not crucify but importantly we must punish the official as he would have done to a player making that human error.

Fezekile: 2007-12-07 12:33

Gordons dry gin must pack his bags and hit the road. He is always having baseless excuses, as for the ref NO comment