In the aftermath of the thrilling clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, referee Victor Hlungwani has found himself at the center of heated discussions surrounding several contentious calls.
Known for his expertise as a former Premier Soccer League referee, Hlungwani took the opportunity to clarify his stance on the decisions made during this high-stakes match, asserting that the officiating was spot-on.
The Match Breakdown
The excitement kicked off with Chiefs taking the lead thanks to a goal from Ranga Chivaviro.
However, Sundowns quickly turned the tables with two goals from Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners before halftime.
One of the most debated moments came with Ribeiro’s goal, as many fans voiced their belief that he was offside during the build-up.
Hlungwani, however, was quick to counter these claims.
He explained, “Here we see a ball played by Rivaldo Coetzee. When we draw the line, we can see that a leg of Miguel is putting Lucas (Ribeiro) onside,” as noted by iDiski Times.
Understanding the Offside Rule
Hlungwani further delved into the offside controversy, emphasizing that not every player in an offside position constitutes an infringement.
“We see here Allende is offside, Rayners is offside, but it’s not an offence to be in an offside position.
When the ball is played, if the player is from an onside position, he attacks, crosses, and a goal is scored.
This goal was scored correctly in line with the laws of the game,” he elaborated.
His explanation sheds light on the often-misunderstood nuances of offside rules in soccer.
Disallowed Equaliser: A Closer Look
Hlungwani also addressed the disallowed equaliser from Chiefs, which was overturned by referee Gasa due to a foul by Ignacio Miguel on Mosa Lebusa.
He clarified, “We can see Mduduzi made a cross, and Miguel headed the ball into the net.
But the referee blew the whistle for a foul; there was a push inside the penalty area. This whistle came before the ball entered the net.”
He reiterated, “The law states, ‘a goal is scored when the ball ends up in the back of the net, provided no offence was committed by the team scoring a goal.’
You cannot use hands; football does not allow the use of hands. There was an offence—the push—which the referee blew for.”
Standing by the Referee’s Decisions
Through his detailed analysis, Hlungwani reinforces the idea that the referee’s decisions were justified during this intense matchup.
His insights provide much-needed clarity to the controversies that have sparked debates among fans.
As the season progresses, understanding the intricacies of officiating will be essential for both supporters and teams alike.
Looking Ahead
As the discussions surrounding this match continue, fans are left to ponder what’s next for both teams and how officiating will play a crucial role in future encounters.
With the season in full swing, each match promises more drama and excitement, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
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