Former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani believes Siphesihle Ndlovu was fortunate to remain on the pitch during Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns last week.
The 29-year-old midfielder came under scrutiny after a series of heavy challenges throughout the encounter, with the most controversial incident involving a high tackle on Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido.
The reckless challenge left Cupido requiring medical attention before being stretchered off the field.
Speaking on Soccerzone, Hlungwani criticised referee Luxolo Badi for failing to dismiss the Chiefs midfielder.
Ndlovu should have been sent off, says ex-PSL referee
“Here, we are talking about serious foul play, a player endangering the safety of an opponent,” said Hlungwani.
“When a player uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent, it must be sanctioned as serious foul play.”
The former referee, popularly known as “The Principal”, expressed disbelief that Ndlovu escaped with only a yellow card for the challenge on Cupido.
“You can clearly see the knee landing on the ribs of Cupido. This challenge endangered the safety of an opponent and should have been regarded as serious foul play,” he added.
“The referee only issued a yellow card, but in my view, it should have been a straight red.
“And then there was another incident involving an elbow on Khuliso Mudau. He could have received a second yellow card there as well, but the referee missed that one too.”
In the third incident involving Ndlovu and Tashreeq Matthews, the ex-referee felt the Chiefs star should have been booked.
“What about the next one? Again, the same Ndlovu. What does he do, he’s strangling another player in a reckless manner,” Hlungwani on Soccerzone.
“He should’ve been sent off, but he was not sent off for all these challenges.
“It was the Ndlovu show and then he got away with murder. This is not right!”