Dubious refereeing decisions ruin Polokwane City-La Masia clash

The Polokwane City-La Masia Motsepe Foundation Championship encounter on Sunday afternoon at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium was marred by dubious refereeing decisions. 

City came back from behind, albeit through a questionable penalty decision, early in the second half to win the game 2-1. 

La Masia had opened the scoring five minutes before the breakthrough through a Yusuf Jappie strike. 

After his goal, the skies opened, and it rained heavily until the halftime whistle. 

When the two teams returned after the break, officials had to scoop water off the pitch to ensure it was playable. 

Play resumed just after 5pm as City, who lead the log standings in the second tier, returned a rejuvenated side in search of an equaliser. 

QUESTIONABLE DECISON BY REF

The referee ignored at least seven clear offside calls by the home side. 

But the most controversial decision of the game came halfway into the second half. A long ball was flighted into the La Masia 18-yard box. 

A Polokwane City player dragged La Masia defender Liam De Kock. Both players fell after De Kock had won the ball and the referee shockingly pointed to the spot.

In disbelief, the La Masia goalkeeper Smiso Ndlela ran out of his 18-yard box, knelt, and held his head. 

FARPost editor Mthokozisi Dube, who was also watching the game, immediately reacted to the referee’s decision.

“This is unbelievable. How is that a penalty? In fact, it should have been a free-kick to La Masia. I’m shocked by the standard of refereeing here,” he said.

From that spot-kick, City levelled terms. Outraged La Masia coach Delano Hendricks did not hesitate to air his opinion about officiating during his side’s tie with City.

“The ball bounces, my player wins and gets kicked in the box. A penalty is awarded to the opponent. Absurd. 

“I’ve never seen something like that in football before. The game continues, and seven times, we have the [City] striker receiving the ball in an offside position; it was not flagged. Not even once. 

“In the first half, our player is pulled down and denied a goal-scoring opportunity. He’s beat the line and is the last man left to score. No free kick,” Hendricks told FARPost.

“We were just robbed. The referees made no secret of their plan.”

City’s second goal came via a corner late in the second half, 10 minutes before the end of the game.

Surprisingly, the video analyst for La Masia was forced out of the VIP area from where he was recording by a City official and two security guards.

According to Hendricks, they were told by their hosts that they do not allow games to be recorded. 

“We were told we could get the footage from SuperSport, only to be told the SuperSport guys were not allowed to come and record the game.”

The referees had to be escorted out of the stadium by security, with La Masia players and officials baying for their blood.

Rise and Shine officials refused to comment on the incident that occurred.

City lead the Motsepe Foundation log standings after amassing 25 points from 11 games. They have won eight, drew once and lost twice.

Second-placed Hungry Lions have 22 points from 12 games.