While his team was being torn apart by Orlando Pirates on Friday night at Dobsonville Stadium, Soweto, Ernst Middendorp had something else to worry about, and that is fourth official, Thando Ndzandzeka.
During the post-match conference, after Swallows lost 4-1 to Bucs, Middendorp told iDiski Times how he felt attacked by Ndzandzeka.
“Never, ever in the entire time [of my career], a fourth referee is following me in the box, provoking me in a way, insulting me in a way I haven’t received any attack from a fourth referee,” Middendorp said, as published by iDiski Times.
“I was quiet, I was not saying anything. He was waiting. If I would’ve said one word, whatever it should be, he was absolutely targeting me to take me off.
“It took a little bit of pleasure out of having any discussion with the fourth official. But it is okay, we talk about professionals, amateurs, officials, non-officials, and let me not describe it further.
“Why is a referee, we fight for staying in the league, do our job, why is the fourth referee following a coach into his area, provoking him in a way? It’s disgusting, embarrassing.
“Sorry, I’m only happy that I didn’t react to that, I was calm enough to take it and to leave it.”
With last night’s loss, Swallows FC remained 14th on the log, with 24 points, just four points above the automatic relegation spot.
Their next league fixture will be against Lamontville Golden Arrows on the 17th of March at home.
Also Read: A good dancer knows when to leave the stage – Morgan Mammila