- Orlando Pirates Coach Terminates Match Against Royal AM Due to Controversy
In an unprecedented move, Orlando Pirates head coach José Riveiro made the bold decision to terminate his team’s match against Royal AM on Sunday after a series of controversial decisions by the match officials.
The highly anticipated encounter, which was being played at the Orlando Stadium, took a dramatic turn after a series of contentious moments. The key incident occurred in the second half when a disputed penalty was awarded to Royal AM, sparking outrage among the Orlando Pirates players, staff, and fans. Riveiro, visibly frustrated with the officiating, approached the match officials to express his displeasure, but was unable to resolve the situation.
Tensions escalated as a second controversial decision, this time involving a possible offside in the buildup to Royal AM’s second goal, further enraged the Pirates bench. After consulting with his team and assessing the situation, Riveiro chose to withdraw his side from the field, refusing to allow the match to continue under what he deemed “unfair conditions.”
The decision left fans in shock, as this type of action is rarely seen in top-tier football. Referees attempted to persuade Riveiro to reconsider, but the Pirates coach remained firm in his stance. The match was officially abandoned, and both teams were left to await a ruling from the South African Football Association (SAFA).
In a post-match statement, Riveiro expressed his dissatisfaction with the refereeing and called for better consistency and fairness in South African football. The termination of the match has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning whether this move will set a precedent for coaches in similar situations.