Former FIFA Referee and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) instructor Jerome Damon has explained why he believes the referee made the right calls in Bafana Bafana’s defeat to Egypt.
Bafana lost to the Pharaoes after Egypt were awarded a penalty after VAR review in the first half when Khuliso Mudau was adjudged to have fouled Mohamed Salah.
It remained the only goal of the match, despite Egypt playing with 10 men for more than a half after Mohamed Hany was sent off before the break.
There was another talking point late in the match, when an Egyptian appeared to block a shot with his hand but Damon explained why the right decision was taken.
“Ref saw handball outside penalty area and whistled foul. VAR first checked where the contact was, then saw inside penalty area. So if handball, then penalty kick,” he wrote on social media.
“VAR second check: Handball or not? The defender was sliding towards the ball and it hits the supporting arm (one coming down to ground). Was it a consequence of the slide? Yes. Was it justified? Yes. So non-deliberate. That’s why VAR recommended OFR (on field referee) for possible no-penalty.
“Ref relooked and agreed. Non-deliberate handball which is not punishable as arm was not making body unnaturally bigger. Final decision: No offense. Restart: Drop ball.”
Deliberate hand in the face. Not challenging for the ball. PK/YC . Correct decision