Hlungwani says controversial Soweto Derby goals were wrongly judged

Former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani has criticised the officials’ decisions over both Orlando Pirates goals in Saturday’s 2-1 Soweto Derby victory against Kaizer Chiefs.

Referee Luxolo Badi allowed Yanela Mbuthuma’s opener to stand, while assistant referee ruled out Oswin Appollis’ effort for offside. Hlungwani believes both calls were incorrect.

The Buccaneers secured the bragging rights in the 186th meeting between the rivals at FNB Stadium, with Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi scoring in a deserved victory.

Speaking on Soccerzone, Hlungwani said the officials had made errors in assessing the two key incidents.

The former referee argued that Mbuthuma was in an offside position when the first goal was scored, despite the decision to award it.

“Here we see Mbuthuma scoring a goal. When we draw the line, it will help us understand. Mbuthuma’s leg is on the line,” he said.

“Miguel’s leg is outside the line, therefore this puts Mbuthuma in an offside position.

“It’s very tight, but you can see clearly here that the leg of Miguel outside the line, Mbuthuma inside the line.

“Mbuthuma here is offside. This goal was not supposed to have stand. This is not right from this situation. It [the goal] should not have been allowed. This is not right.”

Hlungwani then turned to Appollis’ disallowed goal, saying the Pirates forward had been played onside by Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika.

The decision to raise the flag, he said, was also inconsistent with the FIFA Laws of the Game.

“Appollis scored a goal that was ruled offside, and we have Kwinika playing Appollis onside,” he added.

“This goal was in line with the FIFA Laws of the game. This flag [by assistant referee] is wrong in this situation.”