Referee Abongile Tom’s blunders stole the spotlight in the MTN8 final leaving Steve Barker outraged.
Stellenbosch FC head coach Barker did not hold back in his criticism of the referee’s decision that altered the outcome of the MTN8 final. As Orlando Pirates claimed a 3-1 victory at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Barker felt the late call shifted the game’s dynamics entirely.
The final saw Lehlohonolo Mojela score an impressive opener, only for Monnapule Saleng to equalise for Orlando Pirates. However, the drama escalated in the dying minutes when Tshegofatso Mabasa scored a contentious second goal. This came after Relebohile Mofokeng executed a quick free kick, taken several metres closer to the goal than the foul committed by Ismail Toure on Patrick Maswganyi.
Barker expressed his disbelief, as quoted by iDiski Times. “Unfortunately you won’t get too much out of me this evening. I thought it was a good game of football, very competitive, up until it was a decision that was absolutely indescribable.”
Barker: Bitter end to a good match
Barker believed his team was on the verge of a potential extra-time triumph. “I thought we were starting to look and be the better team,” he noted. Reflecting on how the late decision disrupted their momentum. “I felt if we went to extra-time, we would have lifted the trophy.”
Unfortunately for Barker and Stellenbosch, the match turned from a showcase of skill into a debate over refereeing. “On Monday night, when it should be about the match and how the match was played… it’s going to be about a refereeing decision,” he lamented, pointing out that the official made three significant errors in one call.
Frustration turns to disappointment
Mofokeng added a 96th-minute goal, sealing the 3-1 victory and leaving Barker with mixed emotions. “I’m very disappointed and proud of the effort we put in,” he said. “When you work as hard, day in and day out, and get yourself into a final, to have it basically taken away from you is a difficult pill to swallow.”
The coach acknowledged that critics might label his comments as “sour grapes.” However, he stood firm: “A decision in the 90th minute changes the course of the game.”
Understanding the laws of the game
Barker’s frustrations highlight a crucial point regarding the Laws of the Game. According to Law 13, free kicks must be executed from the exact spot of the foul. If a free kick is taken closer to the opponent’s goal, the referee is obligated to enforce a retake. This rule ensures fairness and accuracy in match restarts and could have significantly altered the final outcome for Stellenbosch FC.
Steve Barker’s comments underscore a prevalent issue in football. How crucial officiating decisions can overshadow a team’s hard work and dedication. As the debate continues, fans and players alike will be left pondering what could have been for Stellenbosch in the final.
Stay tuned with The South African as referee Tom’s blunders stole the spotlight in MTN8 final.
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