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Has Abongile Tom been suspended? SAFA explain referee’s absence from PSL duty after MTN8 final blunder

FILE - South African referee Abongile Tom in action during the Africa Cup of Nations. Tom was in charge of the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC earlier this month. Photo: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP

FILE - South African referee Abongile Tom in action during the Africa Cup of Nations. Tom was in charge of the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC earlier this month. Photo: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP

Published Oct 23, 2024

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The South African Football Association (SAFA) have given a reason why referee Abongile Tom has not been in charge of any PSL games since his controversial blunder in the MTN8 final.

In the MTN8 final in Durban three weeks ago, Tom allowed an Orlando Pirates stoppage time goal to stand after a quick free kick had been taken from the wrong place.

The game between the Buccaneers and Stellenbosch FC was deadlocked at 1-1, and with minutes of stoppage time remaining, it looked like it was destined to go into extra time.

However, Tshegofatso Mabasa benefited from Tom’s howler to put Jose Riveiro’s men on the verge of a third straight MTN8 crown. Protests from the Stellies players were ignored, and the game went off.

With the men from the Cape Winelands deflated after going behind so late, a moment of magic saw Relebohile Mofokeng make it 3-1, killing off the tie.

Since the game, Tom has come under fire from fans and pundits, who criticised his handling of the final. And since then, he has not been given any Betway Premiership or Carling Knockout Cup games to officiate.

But, according to SAFA referees boss Abdul Ebrahim, Tom has not been punished.

Explaining Tom’s absence from the PSL, Ebrahim said: “Abongile Tom is still a very active referee. He is currently at the COSAFA Women’s Championship in [Gqeberha].

“From the game [MTN8 final], one of two recommendations were made, and our technical committee, as they always do, week in, week out, they were dealing with recommendations,” Ebrahim was quoted by KickOff on Wednesday.

“But Abongile Tom is still very much officiating. He is not suspended.”

IOL Sport

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