Former top referee in South Africa Errol Sweeney warns that awarding advantages inside the penalty area can be risky for referees.
Referee Masixole Bambiso has been in the spotlight after giving a penalty to Orlando Pirates, even after initially deciding to give an advantage to Relebohile Mofokeng, who was being pulled back by Kaizer Chiefs' Njabulo Blom.
Sweeney, known as 'The Hanging Judge', expressed his desire to hear from Bambiso regarding whether the penalty decision stemmed from the incident with Blom or with goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma.
"I'm not suggesting that this is cheating - far from it. Different referees interpret these kinds of incidents differently, with some awarding penalties and others not," Sweeney said in an interview with KickOff.
READ | Riveiro has his say on Tito's audacious penalty
"There was contact, the Chiefs player did make contact with the Pirates player's shoulder. However, it wasn't enough to bring him down. The referee opted to play advantage, and the player took a shot on goal. I'm curious whether the referee awarded the penalty against the keeper, who came out with both feet and made contact with the Pirates player. I would like to hear the referee's explanation or see his match report."
Sweeney emphasized the dangers of giving advantages in the penalty area.
"It can be perilous, as sometimes it works out and sometimes it does not."
He referenced Law 5 of The Laws of the Game.
The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final. The decisions of the referee and all other match officials must be respected.
"Refereeing decisions are inherently subjective. The referee possesses the authority to make or change decisions regardless of assistance from the fourth official or assistant referees, and even with the support of VAR. The referee has the final say," he added.
READ | Broos on Mofokeng: I'm a bit afraid...
When questioned about the timing of Bvuma's contact with Mofokeng, considering the ball had already left the vicinity, Sweeney responded:
"The ball had only just left. In fact, it was mere seconds later. Regardless, it ultimately doesn't matter. If the ball is in the penalty area and a defender strikes an attacker 10 yards away, the referee has the discretion to award a penalty kick."