Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane lashed out at referee Victor Gomes for sending off assistant coach Rhulani Mokoena in Sunday's Nedbank Cup showdown against Highlands Park.
In the same breath he applauded for Safa for suspending poor performing referees.
Mokoena was sent to the stands by Gomes in the second half as frustrations grew for visiting Sundowns, who only managed to get a breakthrough in the sixth minute of extra time, when Keagan Dolly's wonder strike booked a spot in the last 16 for the defending champions.
Mosimane claimed Mokoena did not use foul language on the touchline, arguing that fourth official Bafana Mosia would have picked up on any inappropriate language from Sundowns' assistant coach.
"Let me tell you something. I do not have time to lie. Rhulani did not swear. The fourth official was right there. He was close to us," Mosimane lamented.
"If Rhulani swore, then how could he [Gomes] hear from where he was? And how can he hear in that noise? Then I do not understand. I asked the fourth official if Rhulani swore and he said no. But it's Victor Gomes, hey."
Gomes has earned himself a reputation among coaches, players and the public alike as a trigger-happy official whose favourite colour is red.
Mosimane said: "We all like what Safa is doing. We coaches are accountable. If we do not win, we know what supporters say. Everybody must be accountable for their actions. Well done to Safa."
Sundowns missed the presence of suspended players Hlompho Kekana and Leonardo Castro, while Khama Billiat and Dolly were not quite at their best against the First Division opponents.
But goalkeeper Denis Onyango came to the party with a series of good saves to deny the spirited opponents what would have been a memorable victory.
"Denis is a top player. He is there to help. If we do not get Castro to help, or if we do not get Khama to help, then Onyango is there to help," said Mosimane. "It was difficult, but we won. We did not play well. But if you don't play well and you get a win, then it's good."
Sundowns host Congolese outfit AC Leopards in a CAF Champions League first round, first leg clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
Sending off riles Pitso
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane lashed out at referee Victor Gomes for sending off assistant coach Rhulani Mokoena in Sunday's Nedbank Cup showdown against Highlands Park.
In the same breath he applauded for Safa for suspending poor performing referees.
Mokoena was sent to the stands by Gomes in the second half as frustrations grew for visiting Sundowns, who only managed to get a breakthrough in the sixth minute of extra time, when Keagan Dolly's wonder strike booked a spot in the last 16 for the defending champions.
Mosimane claimed Mokoena did not use foul language on the touchline, arguing that fourth official Bafana Mosia would have picked up on any inappropriate language from Sundowns' assistant coach.
"Let me tell you something. I do not have time to lie. Rhulani did not swear. The fourth official was right there. He was close to us," Mosimane lamented.
"If Rhulani swore, then how could he [Gomes] hear from where he was? And how can he hear in that noise? Then I do not understand. I asked the fourth official if Rhulani swore and he said no. But it's Victor Gomes, hey."
Gomes has earned himself a reputation among coaches, players and the public alike as a trigger-happy official whose favourite colour is red.
Mosimane said: "We all like what Safa is doing. We coaches are accountable. If we do not win, we know what supporters say. Everybody must be accountable for their actions. Well done to Safa."
Sundowns missed the presence of suspended players Hlompho Kekana and Leonardo Castro, while Khama Billiat and Dolly were not quite at their best against the First Division opponents.
But goalkeeper Denis Onyango came to the party with a series of good saves to deny the spirited opponents what would have been a memorable victory.
"Denis is a top player. He is there to help. If we do not get Castro to help, or if we do not get Khama to help, then Onyango is there to help," said Mosimane. "It was difficult, but we won. We did not play well. But if you don't play well and you get a win, then it's good."
Sundowns host Congolese outfit AC Leopards in a CAF Champions League first round, first leg clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos