Kaizer Chiefs forward Wandile Duba was lucky to escape a red card in their Soweto Derby Nedbank Cup final triumph over Orlando Pirates, according to former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani.
Duba delivered a vicious studs-up tackle on Makhehleni Makhaula but instead of being sent for an early shower, he was only shown a yellow card for a different incident.
‘The Principal’ explained that referee Masixole Bambiso did not pick up the tackle from Duba on Makhaula but only saw the retaliation thereafter when the Chiefs youngster got into a tussle with Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
“This is violent conduct,” the Principal said on Soccerzone.
“Here he’s not challenging for the ball coz the assistant referee Gara Mokwena has raised the flag to say, ‘Stop play, whistle has been blown.’ Gara there making sure that he act like an officer and the referee there ensuring that Wandile Duba does not get the emotions out of him.
“But let’s see what he has done there. You can see that the whistle has been blown but this is serious foul play. If the game is in play, he’s endangering the safety of an opponent. And then if the ball is out of play, it is violent conduct.
“But what did the referee saw? The referee didn’t see [the tackle on Makhaula], he saw this [Duba pulling Mbokazi’s jersey]. This is showing lack of respect for the game.
“Unfortunately, it was incorrect decision.”
