Ex-PSL referee calls for harsher punishment for Zungu

Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) referee Jerome Damon has called for the ‘harshest punishment’ for Mamelodi Sundowns‘ Bongani Zungu for his horror tackle on TS Galaxy forward Bernard Parker.

ALSO READ: Galaxy dedicate cup win over Sundowns to injured Parker

This was during the Carling Black Label Knockout last-16 clash at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday night, which the Rockets won 5-4 on penalties.

Parker was stretchered off the field just after the hour mark after the nasty challenge from the Zungu.

Zungu was shown a straight red card by referee Masixole Bambiso, but he threw a tantrum and protested his innocence before he was escorted out of the field by one of the Sundowns officials.

Zungu’s antics seem to have rubbed many people, including Damon, the wrong way and the former referee made his feelings clear in a comment on Twitter/X.

“Such brutality should be punished in the harshest way. How about Zungu stays out for the duration of the recovery and pay compensation?

“That’s how you show remorse not just an “I am sorry” while ruining a fellow professional’s career no matter how many more years he had left,” wrote Damon while replying on a video of the incident that was posted by SABC Sport.

TS Galaxy posted an update and a picture on Parker on their social media accounts on Thursday, showing the club’s staff including coach Sead Ramovic, visiting the forward at the hospital.

ALSO READ: Sundowns pay the penalty for missing players as they exit Carling Knockout

“We wish Bernard Parker a speedy recovery following a horrific injury last night,” read a capture on the picture posted by Galaxy on social media accounts.

“We’ve lost a soldier whom we shall dearly miss as our journey on the battlefield continues.

“Come back stronger, Die Hond! We dedicate last night’s victory to you.”