PSL: Referees boss chimes in on controversial officiating

The PSL has been plagued by controversial officiating from referees and their assistants, and the issue was once again on the spotlight on the season’s penultimate round of fixtures, where Kaizer Chiefs defeated Chippa United to remain top of the standings.

Referee, Jerry Chavani disallowed what looked like an equaliser from the Chilli Boys, when Boikanyo Komane found the back of the net 11 minutes from the clock.

The match official ruled that Amakhosi goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was fouled in the lead up to the goal. 

Safa head of referees breaks it down

Replays seemed to, however, portray the contrary, with the veteran shot-stopper appearing to have tripped over a teammate.

South African Football Association (Safa) head of referees Abdul Ebrahim has taken upon himself to explain the rationale behind the decision not to allow the goal to stand.

He is quoted by the Safa website saying Chavani was within his rights to make the call, thanks to what occurred before Khune found himself on the ground.

“The Chippa United player, Kevin Moyo, places himself in a position to challenge for the aerial ball. He does not jump up, but instead, impedes the Kaizer Chiefs defender from contesting for the ball in the air. He uses his body to push the opposition defender onto the path of his own goalkeeper.

“At the same time, the Chiefs goalkeeper, Khune, comes out to challenge for the ball but collides with his own teammate who had in turn been impeded by Moyo.

“The referee, Chavani clearly saw the incident and blew for a foul, as Komane, a teammate of Moyo, heads the ball into the net. And the referee sounded the whistle before the ball crossed the line.

“The referee was 100% correct to award a free-kick against Moyo as his action was not to challenge for the ball but to challenge the player off the ball.”

Abdul Ebrahim, Safa Head of Referees

He added;

“Yes, match officials make mistakes but in this particular incident, the referee was 100% correct.”

Chiefs now go into the final round of fixtures still in pole position for a first league title in five years, but level on points with Mamelodi Sundowns.