Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp was quick to hit back at Rhulani Mokwena’s comments during the post-match presser saying Eric Mathoho was just protecting his players and the Bernard Parker’s penalty call was a clear foul.

Amakhosi were 2-0 up within 30 minutes on Saturdays Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium after an opening minute own goal by Ntsikelelo Nyauza, who nodded past his own keeper in a horror error, and a Leonardo Castro header from a well worked corner.

The Buccaneers though would not go away without a fight as first Vincent Pule pulled one back with a sublime free-kick from a tight angle just before half time and then Gabhadinho Mhango netted the equaliser with 30 minutes to play.

The Sea Robbers were the ones who pushed forward in search of a winner with the wind in their sails but with eight minutes left to play Chiefs were awarded a penalty when Bernard Parker went down in the Pirates box and the referee pointed to the spot. Daniel Cardoso stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to fire Chiefs back ahead.

Emotions then boiled over in the final stages as a tussle broke out between the two sets of players which eventually saw Chiefs defender Eric Mathoho sent off.

Speaking to the media after the game Middendorp insisted the Parker’s penalty was a clear foul while also hitting out at Mokwena’s thuggish comment.

Here’s Middendorp’s response:

Middendorp’s response when asked about his players’ behavior, Katsande’s challenge and Parkers penalty. pic.twitter.com/HlVf1BeTiL

— Dean Workman (@DeanoWorks) November 9, 2019