Former PSL referee Errol Sweeney has given clarification on the Soweto derby controversial penalty decision.
Relebohile Mofokeng was handled by Njabulo Blom in the box but he seemed unfazed after a challenge as he continued play and saw his shot saved by Bruce Bvuma. It was only after the save that the referee signaled for the penalty.
The Buccaneers snatched the maximum points, defeating Orlando Pirates 1-0 at the sold-out FNB Stadium.
According to legendary former referee Errol Sweeney, the referee erred by playing advantage instead of immediately awarding a penalty.
‘ALLOWING AN ADVANTAGE IS DANGEROUS’
“It's important to note, once and for all, that refereeing decisions are subjective. In other words, it's the referee's decision, alone,” Sweeney told Soccer Laduma.
“He can get assistance from his assistants or the fourth official. Over here in Europe, the video assistant referee (VAR) can also intervene to help, but at the end of the day it's the referee's decision, and his alone.
“Allowing an advantage is a dangerous thing because if it doesn't come off then the referee, he cannot go back, although in recent times l've noticed some do. This is soccer, not rugby where they do go back if an advantage doesn't materialise.
“As a young referee I was always advised not to give advantages in the penalty area, and I stuck by that unless it was very clear and obvious.
“I'm not sure what the South African referees are instructed to do, l don't have any contact with SAFA in that regard.
“Law 5 states, ‘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'.”
