Former FIFA referee Victor Hlungwani has issued his verdict on the controversial penalty awarded to Orlando Pirates during their Soweto Derby victory against Kaizer Chiefs.
Amakhosi suffered a 1-0 defeat in heartbreaking fashion as Patrick Maswangangy's injury time spot kick ensured The Buccaneers secured all three points in front of a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday.
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The deadly blow came deep in added time as Njabulo Blom was adjusted to have fouled as Relebohile Mofokeng inside the penalty and Patrick Maswanganyi stepped up to score the resulting penalty.
Reviewing the match on SABC Sports' Soccer Zone, Hlungwani explained why the match officials made the right call on the day.
"In rugby, you can hold people, but in football, if you use your hands, automatically the foul has been committed because it's holding," Hlungwani explained.
"Now we look at the impact; did it prevent, did it prevent, did it delay? Look at Blom there, he is holding [Mofokeng] it's already an offence. Now we are waiting to see if he is impeding, he is also now delaying him.
Some people are saying the boy (Mofokeng), has control of the ball. We can tell you today that no, he does not have control of the ball because the ball is not at his feet.
"That delay allows Bvuma to close the angle and so he no longer has the chance.
"The referee did not play advantage, he merely delayed the whistle. When he delayed the whistle, he realised that there was no benefit for Mofokeng, so he brought play back."
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The win keeps Pirates within touching distance of rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the race for the league title, with six points separating the two teams.
Meanwhile, despite the defeat, Chiefs keep their spot in fifth position.