- Former PSL and FIFA referee Victor Hlungwani reviewed the controversial incident from Chiefs' 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch on SABC's Soccer Zone
- Hlungwani weighed in on whether George Matlou's arm contact warranted a penalty in the dying minutes at FNB Stadium
- The ruling adds to the pressure on coach Fernando da Cruz, whose side faces a must-win CAF Confederation Cup clash this Friday
Former PSL and FIFA referee Victor Hlungwani has rejected Kaizer Chiefs' assertion that they were denied a legitimate penalty during their 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC last Tuesday.
The match at FNB Stadium was level heading into the final minutes after Mduduzi Shabalala cancelled out Sinoxolo Kwayiba's 48th-minute opener. In the closing stages, the ball made contact with Stellenbosch midfielder George Matlou's arm, prompting widespread debate about whether a penalty should have been awarded.
Hlungwani rules out penalty
After reviewing the incident on SABC's Soccer Zone, Hlungwani concluded that not awarding a spot-kick was the right decision.
"Ayikho [it's not there], you were not robbed, Amakhosi," said the ex-referee.
He elaborated on the process that led to the final ruling: "We need Chislett saying 'penalty, penalty!' The assistant said penalty and changed it to a corner kick. The ref then went to have a discussion [with the assistant referee]. Now let's see if they came out with the correct decision. We see that the hand is in a natural position. Did it hit his hand? The answer is no. So no penalty!"
Hlungwani argued that Matlou's arm was in a natural position at the moment of contact and that penalising him would have been the wrong call.
Da Cruz under growing pressure
The result extended Kaizer Chiefs' winless run to three matches. Any prospect of momentum was further damaged when the club fell 1-0 away to Zambian side Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup the following Saturday.
With just one win from their last seven outings, coach Fernando da Cruz faces intensifying scrutiny ahead of the second leg against Red Arrows this Friday. A victory is essential for Chiefs to avoid early elimination from the Confederation Cup.
Source: Briefly News
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