GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 08: Referee Sikhumbuzo Gasa awards reserve Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen a red card during the Nedbank Cup, Quarter Final match between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on March 08, 2025 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Huggard/Gallo Images)
Kaizer Chiefs’ 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqebhera was shrouded in controversy among local football followers, primarily surrounding Amakhosi’s second goal.
Many critics believed that Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens was fouled before the goal was scored, and that interpretation seemed evident when the assistant referee raised his flag. However, following a consultation with the officials, the goal stood.
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In light of this much talked about decision, former referee Jerome Damon emphasized that the referee’s judgment is paramount, regardless of the assistant referee’s observations.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, the Cape Town-based former referee explained the nuances of the situation.
“You know that the laws of the game allow the ref to go and consult with an assistant who might have a different view and the law also allows the assistant to express his or her view on what he has seen on the incident. In this instant the assistant indicated that there was an infringement, but we don’t know what exactly (that was) and that’s why he raised his flag. But we don’t know what exactly it was which he saw. But for him to raise the flag that means he saw something,” Damon told the Siya crew.
“I know and believe that there were different suggestions that the flag was up because of offside. But I don’t think that could have been the case because that was a corner kick and you cannot be offside from a corner kick. The only other thing could have been a foul on the Stellenbosch goalkeeper. That could have been the other reason why the assistant referee’s flag was up. But if that was the case, it is clear that the referee didn’t see it as a push and that’s why the goal stood. Others can say it was a push however the referee didn’t see it and his decision is final,” Damon added.
As the debate continues, Damon’s insights shed light on the complexities and interpretations involved in officiating at the highest level of the game.
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