Mamelodi Sundowns crisis: Are referees targeting the brazilians?

Mamelodi Sundowns hits a crisis, as we posed the question, are referees targeting the Brazilians?

Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has raised concerns over the growing number of red cards his team is receiving, accusing referees of handing out “easy cards” to his players.

Cardoso spoke out after Sundowns secured a 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership at DR Molemela Stadium on Wednesday. Despite trailing early, the Brazilians turned the match around with goals from Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro, and Iqraam Rayners. Which sealed a hard-fought win against Dan Malesela’s squad.

Pattern of controversial red cards

Marumo Gallants took an early lead when AmaZulu FC loanee Junior Dion found the back of the net. However, Sundowns responded emphatically, overpowering their opponents. But once again, the match ended with Sundowns a man down. As goalkeeper Denis Onyango received a second yellow card for a late foul on Gabadinho Mhango near the penalty box.

This marked Onyango’s second dismissal of the season after his red card against Polokwane City FC in the MTN8 earlier in the campaign. With all substitutions exhausted, defender Thapelo Morena had to step in as an emergency goalkeeper in the closing moments of the game.

Sundowns have now seen nine red cards this season. Just last week, in the Nedbank Cup Last 16, Tashreeq Matthews was sent off in a tense clash against minnows Mpheni Home Defenders at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Cardoso calls out refereeing decisions

Expressing frustration, Cardoso suggested that his team is being unfairly penalized by match officials.

“I think the outcome of the match [against Marumo Gallants] was fair. But the way we finished the game was not the best, having to deal with a red card again,” Cardoso stated.

“I think the cards are becoming too easy to be given to our players. It has nothing to do with Marumo, but teams that play against Sundowns, in general, always find a way to stop the game. And I don’t see players getting yellow cards for time-wasting.

“Denis got the first yellow and second yellow card, which makes it a red card. But I think the cards are very cheap for Sundowns, they’re coming out very easily.”

Are Sundowns being targeted?

With multiple red cards affecting their season, questions are being raised about whether Sundowns are being unfairly scrutinized by officials. Is it a case of stricter refereeing, or are the Brazilians being deliberately targeted? With a crucial part of the season still ahead. Cardoso and his team must find a way to navigate these challenges while keeping their title ambitions intact.

The debate is heating up—are referees being too harsh on Sundowns, or is the team’s aggressive playstyle to blame?

Stay tuned with The South African as Mamelodi Sundowns hits a crisis of red cards.

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