Kaizer Chiefs legend Jabu Mahlangu was left unimpressed by the football on display during Mamelodi Sundowns' DStv Premiership clash against Orlando Pirates.
The spoils were shared in 1-1 stalemate during a tightly contested encounter at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night as ultimately Tapelo Xoki's late spot-kick cancelled out Marcello Allende's earlier strike.
READ | Rulani defends Sundowns' misfiring attacker
The sold out match, which promised to be a spectacle in the build-up as however marred by controversial calls and far too much physicality with a combed 28 fouls between them.
Additionally, six yellow cards were awarded to Sundowns players while two were awarded to Pirates' Miguel Timm who would be sent off for the latter.
Mahlangu has taken to social media platform Instagram to voice his displeasure over the game.
"The display shown by Pirates and Sundowns left a bitter taste in my mouth. It was a very physical match, especially with incidents that were off the ball," Mahlangu said.
"Obviously it's one of the biggest fixtures in the PSL calendar, very competitive teams but yesterday in my view. I watched the game and I think firstly it was not a good display of football.
"For both teams, there were so many incidents, elbows, off the ball incidents, in my view I think the match officials couldn't control the game.
"Even coach Rulani [Mokwena] said in the post-match interviews that he was not happy at all with the game overall, the display from both teams because there were a lot of off-the-ball incidents and the referee didn't pick up on them.
ALSO READ | Rulani issues verdict on Lorch and Esquivel debuts
"Our referees need to improve. We saw good refereeing during the AFCON but now welcome back to our domestic league it's the same story again. Where the referees are not fully in control. They don't do their jobs properly and they cost teams valuable points.
"I think Pirates did well under the circumstance, playing the team and playing a team of Sundowns calibre with ten men."
Sundowns turn their attention to the Nedbank Cup where they take on La Masia at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday evening. Kick-off is at 19:00.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!