Hlungwani says Mokoena tackle on Chislett should have brought red card

Former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani believes Mamelodi Sundowns striker Bennett Mokoena should have been sent off for his challenge on Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Ethan Chislett.

The incident occurred with the match level at 1-1, after Sundowns lost possession and Amakhosi launched a counter-attack. Mokoena attempted to recover the ball by tackling Chislett, but referee Alfred Jelly Chavani allowed play to continue before later showing the Sundowns player a yellow card.

Hlungwani, speaking on Soccerzone, said the decision was incorrect and that the nature of Mokoena’s challenge met the definition of serious foul play. In his view, the tackle endangered Chislett’s safety and required a straight red card rather than a booking.

“Again, we talking of serious foul play,” he said.

“Look at it there, endangering the safety of an opponent.

“This is red card! Not a yellow card.

“So, incorrect decision [in giving yellow instead of red]. This is not right!

Hlungwani’s assessment centres on the danger posed by the challenge rather than simply the fact that Mokoena was attempting to win possession. Although Chavani did not stop play to issue a red card, he subsequently cautioned the Mamelodi Sundowns striker.

The former PSL official argued that the punishment should have been more severe because of the potential risk to Chislett. He classified the tackle as serious foul play, the offence for which he believes Mokoena should have received a direct dismissal.

The match situation also formed part of the incident. With the score tied at 1-1, Kaizer Chiefs had moved forward quickly after Mokoena was dispossessed. The Sundowns player then tried to halt the attack, leading to his challenge on Chislett.

Despite the referee’s decision to allow play to continue initially and later award only a yellow card, Hlungwani maintained that the correct outcome should have been a straight red. His comments amount to a direct criticism of the decision made during a significant moment of the game.

The analysis was provided on Soccerzone, where Hlungwani reviewed the tackle and explained why he believed the referee had made an incorrect call.

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