Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has spoken out about the referee’s controversial decision during the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The Maroons suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Buccaneers as Pirates won their third consecutive MTN8 title.

Stellies opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Lehlohonolo Mojela but Monnapule Saleng drew the game level in the 43rd minute.

As the match looked to be heading for extra-time, Tshegofatso Mabasa found the back of the net in stoppage-time, however, there was controversy surrounding the Mabasa’s goal as the quick free-kick was adjudged to have been taken before the ref blew his whistle.

Pirates went on to claim the win following a late stoppage-time goal from Relebohile Mofokeng as the Buccaneers won 3-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

“Ja it’s unfortunate that an incident like that spoils the game,” Barker told SuperSport TV after the game.

“I mean, firstly it’s not a free-kick, secondly the ref speaking to the players, thirdly [the free-kick] taken from the wrong place, so what can I say? There’s nothing I want to say, there’s nothing more.

“It’s difficult to think about the good things but we were obviously competitive, we showed that we can compete with the best teams on a weekly basis. It is just disappointing that the game ended like that.”