Former FIFA referee, Victor Hlungwani, has weighed in on the controversial penalty awarded to Orlando Pirates in their 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs during the latest Soweto Derby. The penalty, which ultimately led to the Sea Robbers’ win, has sparked heated debate among football fans, with many questioning the referee’s decision.
Hlungwani, with his vast experience in officiating at the highest level, analyzed the incident and shared his thoughts on the matter. According to the former referee, the decision to award the penalty was, in his view, the correct one.
The incident in question occurred when Kaizer Chiefs’ defender was judged to have fouled Orlando Pirates’ attacker inside the penalty area, resulting in the referee pointing to the spot. Many Chiefs fans and some pundits felt that the decision was harsh, with some believing there was minimal contact or that the foul was not worthy of a penalty.
However, Hlungwani explained that, based on the laws of the game, it was clear that the defender’s actions impeded the attacking player’s progress and denied them a clear goal-scoring opportunity. “The law is very clear. If a player is brought down in the penalty area while attempting to take a shot on goal, or if a clear scoring opportunity is denied, the referee has no choice but to award the penalty,” Hlungwani stated.
Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, Hlungwani emphasized the importance of referees making quick judgments in high-pressure situations, particularly in a match as significant as the Soweto Derby. He acknowledged that such calls are not always easy to make, especially in the heat of the moment.
Hlungwani also addressed the role of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in ensuring accuracy. In this instance, VAR did not overturn the referee’s initial decision, further solidifying the penalty as legitimate, according to Hlungwani’s interpretation of the rules.
While the penalty decision has divided opinions, Hlungwani’s expert verdict provides some clarity on the matter, reassuring fans that the refereeing standards in the match adhered to the regulations of the game. The incident, however, will remain a talking point in South African football for some time, with fans of both teams continuing to voice their differing opinions on whether the decision was fair or not.
