Tsakani – The last game of the year for the 2022/23 league games between Ace Auto Ayoba U23 and Elspark United Academy saw two Ayoba coaches being given marching orders in the second half of the game by the referee for their distractive behaviour.
The two coaches were frustrated by the alleged poor application of the referee’s decisions during the game in the second half. The SAB league game was played at Tsakani Stadium seeing Ace Auto Ayoba losing the match 2-0 on Saturday.
Ayoba coach Tshepo Boee was given a red card for shouting at his players during the match while assistant coach Jabulani Ngwenya received a yellow card for manhandling a player during the game.
Booe said he was frustrated about how the referee overlooked some of the mistakes committed during the games.
“The first goal was scored due to the referee’s mistake of not judging a foul and even after this was raised the referee continued with the game.
“The game was not fair and frustrated our players,” he said.
Boee added that local referees need more training and should not be biased. Soccer legend Vincent Mayoyo explained that according to FIFA rules, a red card to the coach is given for indecent behaviour during the game.
“I don’t understand how the referee arrived at that decision but we have to respect his decision as according to the FIFA rules, the referee’s decisions are final.”
Elspark coach Aupa Mohlakwane said, “We collected the maximum points after the game, and the boys responded well to the game plan.”
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On the Ayoba coach receiving a red card, Mohlakwane said Boee felt the referee was unfair.
“Their goalkeeper was pushed, however, the referee allowed the game to continue without making a ruling.
“I feel that is what led to the red card being issued, it was unfortunate but their misfortune benefitted us,” concluded Mohlakwane.
When asked to comment, referee Lazarus Mashabela said he was not in a position to comment.
