The incident has sparked debate among Kaizer Chiefs fans. Questions are being raised over whether a problem with the side netting ultimately cost Amakhosi all three points in their Betway Premiership clash.
The controversy actually started before kick off when the match was delayed by two minutes after officials noticed loose side netting during their pre match inspection.
The net was tied up before the game eventually got underway.
WAS KAIZER CHIEFS’ EQUALISER ACTUALLY A PHANTOM GOAL?
The netting became a major talking point in the 73rd minute. Polokwane City substitute Giovanni Philander stepped up to take a corner from the left.
The ball appeared to end up in the back of the net. The referee and assistant referee awarding the goal. There were also no immediate protests from the Kaizer Chiefs players on the pitch.
However, replays that emerged after the match have raised serious questions about what actually happened.
The footage appears to show Philander’s corner missing the goal and hitting the outside of the side netting before passing through a loose section of the mesh and ending up inside the goal.
That would mean the ball never legally crossed the goal line.
The incident happened so quickly that the Kaizer Chiefs players appeared unaware of the problem with the netting during the match. The controversy only exploded after supporters began analysing the footage online following the final whistle.
CAN AMAKHOSI DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE RESULT?
According to the NSL rulebook, decisions made by the match officials during a game are subject to the competition’s rules and procedures.
It makes it extremely difficult for Kaizer Chiefs to have the result overturned after the final whistle.
The controversial goal would therefore be treated as a refereeing error unless the relevant disciplinary or competition authorities find grounds for further action.
Kaizer Chiefs can still raise concerns about the condition of the goal and the side netting through the appropriate channels. However, that is different from overturning the referee’s decision or changing the result.
For now, the 1-1 scoreline stands. The bizarre incident could therefore become a major talking point around the Betway Premiership. However, it does not automatically give Kaizer Chiefs a route to three points.