In a clear verdict on a weekend of controversy, former FIFA referee
Jerome Damon has stated that Monnapule Saleng’s decisive goal for Orbit
College against Richards Bay should have been disallowed for offside.
The goal, which secured a 2-1 victory for Orbit College, was immediately
protested by Richards Bay, and Damon’s expert analysis confirms their
complaints were valid.
“It was definitely offside. The player was clearly closer to the goalline
than his second last opponent and in front of the ball, having received it
from his teammate,” Damon told PSLSA in an exclusive interview.
His assessment suggests match officials missed a pivotal call that directly
altered the outcome of the Betway Premiership encounter.
However, Damon came to the defense of the officials in a separate incident
involving Magesi FC’s equalizer against TS Galaxy. While TS Galaxy claimed a
foul on their defender in the build-up, Damon supported the referee’s
decision to allow the goal.
“In the build-up in the penalty area both players challenged for the ball
with their heads. Neither made good contact with the ball but there is a
slight clash of heads (not enough for the ref to stop play) – good goal,” he
observed.
Magesi went on to win that match 2-1 with a late goal, but it is the offside
call in the Orbit College game that Damon has authoritatively ruled as an
error. His analysis underscores the fine margins and immense pressure faced
by match officials in the South African top flight.
