"It Was Not A Penalty" Pirates Fans Fumes Over Penalty Awarded To Chiefs, Call The Referee Out

 A controversial moment in the latest Soweto Derby has left Orlando Pirates fans fuming after Kaizer Chiefs were awarded a penalty that led to an early equalizer in the tense clash. The incident, which occurred just ten minutes into the match, has sparked heated debate among fans and analysts alike.The penalty was awarded when Chiefs winger Pule Mmodi appeared to be brought down in the box by Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen. Referee Thando Ndzandzeka pointed to the spot without hesitation, despite visible confusion and protests from Pirates players. Chiefs midfielder Gaston Sirino calmly stepped up and slotted the ball low into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

However, the decision did not sit well with Pirates supporters, who took to social media and post-match interviews to voice their outrage. “It was not a penalty. Van Rooyen didn’t touch him. Mmodi dived – it’s clear from the replays,” said one visibly frustrated fan outside the stadium. Another supporter echoed the sentiment, claiming, “This is what ruins the beauty of the game. Chiefs are always getting these soft decisions.”

Even among neutral observers, opinions remained divided. Some argued that there was minimal contact, not enough to warrant a spot kick. Others felt Mmodi was justified in going down under pressure. Nevertheless, the referee’s call stood, and it changed the tempo of the game early on.

Orlando Pirates, who had started the match strongly, struggled to regain rhythm after the decision. Chiefs gained momentum following the goal, shifting the balance of the game and applying pressure that limited Pirates’ attacking chances for most of the first half.

While both clubs remain focused on the bigger picture—title ambitions and continental qualification—the controversy surrounding the penalty has overshadowed much of the match’s tactical analysis. Fans are now calling for better officiating and the urgent introduction of VAR in local football to minimize errors in high-stakes fixtures.

As the dust settles, debates rage on, but for many Pirates fans, one thing is clear: “It was not a penalty.”