The
SA Football Association's (Safa) referees review committee says match official
Lwandile Mfiki made the right decision in sending off Kaizer Chiefs midfielder
Reneilwe Letsholonyane in a league clash earlier this month.
A
spectator attempted to strike Mfiki with a vuvuzela after Letsholonyane was
shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Tshepo Liphoko, during
Chiefs' goalless draw against Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
"The
review committee confirms that the decision to dismiss Reneilwe Letsholonyane
of Kaizer Chiefs in that match, for serious foul play, was correct," the
committee said in a statement on Monday.
"The
cautioning of Kaizer Chiefs' Tefo Mashamaite, in the first 25 seconds of the
match set the tone for the proceedings of the tense game.
"It
gave the referee a clear indication of what was to come." Safa said the
committee -- Bruce Mphela, Steve Goddard, Frans Boshilo and Moses Hleza --
viewed the recording of the match "extensively" and believed the
referee had handled the match appropriately in a "hostile"
environment.
"Mfiki
should also have sent off Lucky Baloyi of Kaizer Chiefs, as his foul was a
clear dismissal offence instead of a plain caution," the committee said.
"The
match officials must be complimented on their calm approach to all the
incidents throughout this match." The attempted attack on Mfiki would be
dealt with by the Premier Soccer League.
