The question of whether the latest Soweto Derby was won via dubious means by Kaizer Chiefs, following Orlando Pirates' penalty cries that got waved away, has now been answered.
In a match where Chiefs secured a 2-1 victory at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, Gaston Sirino opened the scoring from the spot after Deano Van Rooyen was adjudged to have fouled Pule Mmodi inside the box.
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It's a decision that raised from the Pirates camp, with many adamant the former Stellenbosch FC man did not clip the winger on his heels.
The record has now been set straight.
"We saw a penalty, there is what you call tripping an opponent," said former FIFA referee Victor Hlungwani on SABC Sport's SoccerZone on Monday evening.
"When tripping happens inside the field of play, a direct free kick is awarded. When it happens inside the penalty area, a penalty is awarded.
"Some are saying we did not see the contact, the player tripped himself. Here is the contact (pointing to the screen with slow motion benefit). This is what the referee saw, he awarded the penalty for tripping an opponent. So, correct decision by the referee," he continued.
The rest of the encounter had plenty of questionable calls.
For starters, Wandile Duba was lucky to escape with only a yellow card after stomping on Makhehleni Makhaula and then engaged in a scuffle with Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
"This was serious foul play. If the game is in play, he is endangering the safety of an opponent, and if the ball is put in play, then it is violent conduct. This is violent conduct. The referee missed, did not see it. For the stomping, it should have been a straight red," said Hlungwani of Duba's reckless lunge from behind.
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There were also calls for Inacio Miguel to be sent off after tackling Mohau Nkota in transition, but the Angolan only got a yellow.
"This is what we call taking one for the team, where you hold an opponent. When you hold an opponent, the flag goes up. People were expecting a red [card] at home, but let's explain why a yellow was given.
"There was a cover, you can see there was [Zitha] Kwinika there. So, Kwinika ensured that the four considerations for DOGSO were not successfully completed, hence the referee gave a yellow card for stopping a promising attack. Correct decision by the referee."
