The South African Football Association (Safa) confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that it has suspended match officials Jelly Chavani and Moeketsi Molelekoa, following their poor call which handed Kaizer Chiefs a last-minute penalty against AmaZulu.

AmaZulu looked to be heading to three points in their clash with Amakhosi this past weekend but, in stoppage time, Usuthu skipper Tapelo Xoki was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, despite both hands placed behind his back during the incident, and the officials pointed to the spot.

Keagan Dolly stepped up and scored the pressure penalty to rescue a point for his side at Jonsson’s King Park Stadium.

The referees review committee, though, met on Monday to discuss the issue and decided to suspend the officials.

The statement in full:

“The overall result of the game had been altered because of this error of judgement; Amazulu FC were unduly prejudiced by this decision.
Therefore, the SAFA Review Committee found that:

“The match referee, Mr Jelly Chavani and the 4th Official, Mr Moeketsi Molelekoa by erring, have been found guilty of executing their duties in an unacceptable manner and have duly been suspended from officiating in matches in the GladAfrica 1st Division and DSTtv Premiership for a period of six (6) weeks.

“During this time, the SAFA Referees Technical Sub-Committee will oversee the rehabilitation of these match officials, to ensure that they are fully debriefed and better equipped in the future.

“SAFA will continue to require high standards from its match officials and while acknowledging this was refereeing error, match officials must accept that if they err to this extent, there must be consequences.”