Former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani has applauded Eugene Mdluli for his bravery in denying Kaizer Chiefs a penalty against Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby.
There was an uproar from the Amakhosi faithful who believed they deserved a spot kick after Flavio Da Silva went down in the box at Deon Hotto’s challenge.
Replay, however, shows that it was indeed Silva who made contact with Hotto’s leg and that Silva tumbling over was a simulation hoping to get a penalty in his favour.
A dominant Buccaneers side saw off their rivals 3-0 to consolidate their spot at the summit of the Betway Premiership and will look to maintain that run with just 12 games to go before the curtain comes down on the 2025/26 campaign.
Hlungwani’s verdict was that Silva was not fouled which means Mdluli was correct in his decision.
“There was a penalty appeal here between Hotto and Da Silva there,” ‘The Principal’ said on Soccerzone.
“Let’s see who kicked who. You can see there Hotto’s leg is grounded even touch the ball, so therefore Da Silva made contact with Hotto’s leg and he decide to swim at FNB Stadium.
“So, when he swims, the referee says, ‘no the leg is grounded, it’s on the ground therefore the player did not kick an opponent, did not trip an opponent.’
“So, therefore, correct decision by Eugene Mdluli not to give a penalty.”
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