AmaZulu robbed? Pirates benefit? Top ref clarifies red card drama

AmaZulu defender Abbubaker Mobara was wrongfully sent off, while an Orlando Pirates should have been given a red card during the two team's highly-charged clash last weekend, according to former referee Victor Hlungwani.

The visitors looked dominant early on in the match but were reduced to 10 men just 20 minutes into the match when Mobara was adjudged to have fouled Patrick Maswanganyi, who was through on goal. 

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The defender was shown a straight red card.

Ultimately, Tshegofatso Mabasa's late goal proved to be the winner.

Reviewing the incident on SABC Sport's SoccerZone, Hlungwani explained why the decision to send off Mobara was incorrect.

"Here we see the DOGSO (DENYING A GOAL OR AN OBVIOUS GOAL-SCORING OPPORTUNITY) element. One-on-one with the goalkeeper," Hlungwani said.

"But let's see whether Mobara has committed an offence, whether he played the ball or the man.

"If we look here, we see that Mobara played the ball, so when you play the ball, what clues do we have that tell us that Mobara played the ball? It's the changing of direction of the ball.

"The ball changed direction, so that change in direction tells us that Mobara played the ball. Look at it, Mobara is the first one to get to the ball and he plays it and the ball changes direction.

"When it changed direction, that meant Mobara played the ball. So, he cannot be red-carded because he is not guilty of DOGSO.

"So here, an incorrect decision was made by the referee to give the red card."

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Further, Hlungwani revealed that Maswanganyi should have received his marching orders for violent conduct.

"Here we see Maswanganyi commit a foul and then the whistle is blown. Now let's see what Maswanganyi does, he kicks an opponent when not challenging for the ball.

"What does the law say? The law says this is violent conduct. The player must be sent off. So, he survived here. A red card should have been issued against Maswanganyi."

Meanwhile, Usuthu coach Pablo Franco Martin has called for Mobara's suspension to be lifted if the decision is proved to be incorrect.

Usuthu host in-form Chippa United on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

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