Stellies coach Barker laments officiating after Sundowns loss
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker was not impressed with the officiating during his side’s 3-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday night.
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker and Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane during the Absa Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
This comes after referee Khulasande Qongqo incorrectly awarded Sundowns a penalty when Stellies were leading the game 1-0 in the second half.
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Qongqo pointed to the penalty spot after Themba Zwane went down inside the box, although TV replays suggest Stellenbosch FC defender Mogamad De Goede did not make contact with him.
Zwane equalised for Sundowns from the resultant penalty and then went on to win 3-1.
“You can’t control everything, you’re up against the crowd, you’re up against a good team and you’re up against decisions that don’t go your way,” Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker told SuperSport TV after the game.
“Firstly it’s a free-kick, he’s holding the ball between his legs, it’s not a penalty, and I’ve been informed. Then we have a penalty, it doesn’t get given, it doesn’t get re-shown, so what are you up against? Unbelievable performance from our team tonight! Unbelievable!
“Their hearts and everything, the way we played tonight, I cannot be more proud. I want to know the same club that say other clubs get decisions, what do they say now? What do they say? Yep!
“11 v 11 we went toe-to-toe, there was no difference between them and us, I thought we were even a better team. So obviously if you get a soft penalty given against you and you get a red card it makes it tough.
“Marc van Heerden gets a yellow card but what happened before that, it’s a free-kick for us against Junior Awono, free-kick doesn’t get given, frustration leads, we get a booking. I’m very frustrated tonight, but frustrated with what happened here, but not frustrated with my team.”
Stellies next game is against Baroka FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
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