Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi criticized referee Eugene Mdluli, accusing him of poor officiating during their match against Polokwane City.
Nabi highlighted questionable decisions by Mdluli, claiming they unfairly influenced the outcome of the Betway Premiership clash on Sunday.
Chiefs lost 2-0 to Polokwane City at New Peter Mokaba Stadium, with officiating decisions once again sparking intense post-match criticism.
Nabi argued his team was denied two crucial penalties, suggesting these calls could have changed the result of the game.
He also insisted Polokwane’s Thabang Matuludi deserved a red card for a reckless tackle on Chiefs player Bradley Cross.
COACH LEFT UNIMPRESSED BY REFEREE EUGENE MDLULI
‘It’s unacceptable. I don’t want to be given a gift. I don’t want a gift because I am sporty. I respect the opponents and the referees,” said Nabi.
“You remember the game when [Edson] Castillo got injured? You remember Castillo was ruled out for six months, and I spoke against referees. They say I am against the referees. I’m not against the referees. I respect the referees because, without referees, you don’t have football,” he added.
“I stopped talking about referees. But today [Sunday]…I asked the PSL to include the analysis of our situation. Two penalties [denied], and I think my left-back is out,” said Nabi. “That foul deserved a minimum red card. It’s unacceptable. If I lost, I lost, no problem. But I don’t like to lose like that. I don’t like to lose because of referees.
“It’s not the first time. What do you want? Look at that action involving Bradley Cross when you get home. He could be out for two months. But tell me what the FIFA rules say.
“The first rule for the referees is please protect the player. How many players are in hospital? It’s unacceptable. I am not talking to protect myself because I lost. No, I am happy. The solution is clear for me.”
