Poggenpoel should have seen red sooner in Orlando Pirates defeat, says Hlungwani

Durban City midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel should have been sent off earlier in the first half of their MTN8 quarter-final defeat by Orlando Pirates, according to former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani.

Poggenpoel was dismissed as Durban City lost 2-1 to the Buccaneers at Orlando Amstel Arena at the weekend. His sending-off came while the match was still goalless, with the 26-year-old receiving a second yellow card before being shown red.

The incident happened when Poggenpoel fouled Tshepang Moremi from behind inside the 18-yard area. Orlando Pirates were awarded a penalty as a result, and Patrick Maswanganyi converted from the spot to put the home side ahead.

However, Hlungwani believes Poggenpoel should have been dismissed before that moment after a challenge on Cemran Dansin. Speaking on Soccerzone, the former official said the tackle had already warranted a booking, meaning Poggenpoel would have received a second yellow card when he later fouled Moremi.

“A penalty was given,” he said.

“Now, the law says if the player is challenging for the ball, and a penalty is given, no more yellow card.

“Here we see Jelly Chavani giving a yellow card and a red card, which was incorrect for a second yellow card.

“But, Poggenpoel was supposed to get a yellow card on the 24th minute which was second to the red card, so he was sent off very late.

“He was supposed to go out on the 24th minute for his tackle on Dansin.”

The match officials’ decision to issue Poggenpoel with a second yellow card for the challenge on Moremi was therefore not the main point of Hlungwani’s criticism. His argument was that the Durban City midfielder should already have been on a yellow card for the earlier tackle on Dansin.

The dismissal changed the contest as Orlando Pirates advanced to the MTN8 semi-finals. The Buccaneers are now seeking a fifth consecutive title in the competition and are aiming to draw level with Kaizer Chiefs’ record total of 15 MTN8 triumphs.

Orlando Pirates will face Sekhukhune United in the semi-finals, which will be played over two legs.

The result ended Durban City’s involvement in this season’s competition, while Orlando Pirates remain on course to extend their recent dominance of the MTN8. Their progress means they are two ties away from another title and from matching Kaizer Chiefs’ record number of wins.

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