Renowned former referee Victor Hlungwani has offered his verdict on an incident that saw midfielder Thabang Monare shown a red card during Orlando Pirates' draw against Richards Bay.
The Buccaneers failed to make it three wins on the bounce as they were made to settle for a 0-0 draw against The Natal Richboys at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates' problems do not end there as Monare is now set to miss the next matches as he serves a suspension after being shown a red card for allegedly pushing a ball boy in an off-field incident.
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Victor "The Principal" Hlungwani explains...
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Speaking on SABC Sport, renowned former referee Victor Hlungwani said the match official was correct in the decision.
"We see a ball retriever lying on the ground," Hlungwani said.
"Where have you seen this, we have never seen this. Now as for what happened, we are talking about what we call violent conduct.
"Violent conduct is when a player uses brutality or attempts to use excessive force when challenging for the ball, against an opponent, a team official, a referee or anything other person, even a spectator, the referee will give you a red card.
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"He pushed the ball retriever. It's unclear why he did it because his job is to play the ball. That is another charge because now he is threatening the referee with that action there. Once you point a finger at somebody.
"The referee has got full authority over the game he is appointed to officiate. So anyone within the vicinity of the field of play is under the control of the referee. So the referee has a right to send him out.
For people that are calling Monare names after his red card this weekend at Richards Bay...Have a look at the video and let me know what you think now.In my opinion, and from that video angle, if anything, this ball boy should be suspended. Pathetic behaviour.I personally… pic.twitter.com/JQ3z5D6Qzw
— Joseph Bertrand (@JoBertrand19) November 28, 2023
As far as the public is concerned though, the jury is still out on whether the midfielder deserved a red card, with footage showing minimal contact between Monare and the ball-boy.
Pirates will be without Monare when they host Moroka Swallows at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday, 5 December.
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