Miguel Cardoso accuses referees of unfairly targeting Mamelodi Sundowns players

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has criticised referees for what he believes is an ongoing pattern of unnecessary yellow cards being shown to his players, claiming the issue has continued since last season.

Cardoso made the comments after Sundowns produced an emphatic 5-2 league victory over AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday. Teboho Mokoena, Tashreeq Matthews, Bennet Mokoena and Brayan Leon, who scored twice, were all on target as Sundowns secured a convincing win.

Despite that dominant display, Cardoso said he remained frustrated by the number of cautions his side have received, particularly given their possession-based and attacking style of play.

“I’m not happy seeing my players seeing so many yellow cards. It’s important that we understand that we have already got, in six matches, 15 yellow cards a team like Sundowns that dominates match after match. Go see the stats and ball possession,” Cardoso told reporters at the post-match press conference.

He compared Sundowns’ disciplinary record with that of several opponents, pointing to what he described as an imbalance in the number of yellow cards awarded during matches.

“We finish with four yellow cards, AmaZulu with one. Against Golden Arrows, we had three, they had one. We played Marumo [Gallants], one yellow card, Marumo with zero. [Kaizer] Chiefs four-four, Polokwane two-two, but Polokwane should have had three yellow cards.

“Last season we had 53 yellow cards, Pirates had 28; we had four red cards, Pirates had zero red cards.

“The yellow cards put players out as we go through the season and these matches will speak for the championship.”

Cardoso said suspensions caused by accumulated yellow cards could have a significant effect as the campaign develops, with matches potentially deciding the destination of the championship.

He also urged officials to take greater care in their treatment of Sundowns players, insisting that his team approach matches positively and with respect.

“I speak for the referees. Pay attention in the way you are targeting my players because it’s too easy to target them. When I received my yellow card, I said it’s too easy to target my players.

“We play positive football, with respect. Just understand the role and the way we respect football. We’re not a bad team or bullies on the pitch; we want to play the game.

“Let’s hope this situation can be corrected because the yellow cards will take players out [suspended] in future.”

Sundowns will now turn their attention to the MTN8 semi-final second leg against Golden Arrows. They must overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first meeting if they are to progress.

Cardoso said the performance against AmaZulu had given his side a platform to build on, but acknowledged the challenge posed by an Arrows team that has been defensively impressive.

“There was a loss in one match; let’s see if we are capable enough to go to Arrows and make it happen,” he said. “Arrows, how many goals have they conceded now? Nothing. They are doing well, they will test us.

“There is a lot to do, and whatever happens at the weekend, consistency will speak for us.”