Benni hits out at referees again

“I think I am growing greyer when fighting with referees than I do with my kids or my players,” said a visibly agitated Benni McCarthy following Cape Town City’s 1-0 over Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld.

The former FC Porto striker did not mince his words as he vented out his frustrations over the standard of officiating in the Premier Soccer League. Tuesday night’s game was officiated by Chris Harrison who showed City four yellow cards in contrast to none for Masandawana.

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McCarthy was clearly not pleased with the manner Harrison handled the game.

“How many fouls does one team make and then you touch someone and then you get a yellow card because Pitso Mosimane was complaining at half-time so now the referee got yellow card hungry,” said McCarthy.

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“Every decision is against us so we’re not just playing against the opposition but we’re playing against the referees also.

“I’m tired of being modest and I’m tired of not being able to say what I want because we have to have respect the officials when they don’t respect coaches and our game. They kill players and now we must be modest and you can’t have an opinion,” he added.

“Referees must also take responsibility because coaches get fired for not winning but referees get to do what they want and they keep the luxury of the job”

McCarthy said if the standard of officiating does not improve, it will prove to be detrimental on the success of the league.

“That is why our league is not at the level where it is supposed to be with the talent that we have because we have bad referees. They must also up their game because coaches are asked to up their game. You have to come up with plans to beat Sundowns, you have to compete and be up there but our referees can stay mediocre, no, it doesn’t work.”

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