Hlungwani backs Gasa’s decision to reject Chiefs penalty appeal

Former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani says Sikhumbuzo Gasa made the correct decision by overturning a late penalty award during Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC.

The incident occurred in the closing stages, when the ball appeared to strike a Stellenbosch player’s hand inside the penalty area.

Gasa initially pointed to the spot, prompting celebrations among the Kaizer Chiefs players and supporters. However, after consulting the assistant referee on the far side of the pitch, he reversed the decision and awarded a corner instead.

The change sparked strong protests from the Amakhosi players and fans, who believed their side had been denied a chance to win the match from the penalty spot.

Hlungwani, however, said the referee was right to reconsider the call and praised Gasa for having the confidence to change his decision after receiving input from his assistant.

“Gasa here awarded a penalty against Stellenbosch. Was this a penalty or not?” Hlungwani said on Soccerzone.

“Gasa then changed and said corner kick. He went for a discussion [with the assistant referee] and when he came back [he awarded the corner].

“The hand is in a natural position. Did it [the ball] hit the hand? The answer is no!

“So, no penalty! It’s not there. Chiefs were not robbed.

“Correct decision by Gasa to give corner kick.”

Hlungwani’s assessment was that the position of the Stellenbosch player’s hand was natural and that the ball had not made contact with it.

As a result, he concluded that the penalty appeal did not meet the criteria for a spot-kick and that the corner awarded by Gasa was the appropriate outcome.