Cape Town Spurs’ Ashley Cupido Shown Straight Red Card Against Casric Stars

• Ashley Cupido was sent off during Cape Town Spurs' game against Casric Stars after he reacted to a tackle
• Cape Town Spurs won the game 1-0 and lead the promotion playoff mini-tournament with nine points
• Fans and management of Cape Town Spurs can't understand why Cupido was shown a straight red card

Refereeing in South African football has again come under the spotlight after Cape Town Spurs’ game against Casric Stars.

The two Motsepe Foundation Championship sides are currently involved in the promotion playoffs with Maritzburg United, with each of the three sides looking to earn the final spot in the DStv Premiership for next season.

Spurs lead the standings with nine points after three games, but they were dealt a significant blow during their last game as star striker, Ashley Cupido was shown a straight red card.

Cupido was given his marching orders during the side’s third game of the tournament, but the player, management, and fans can’t understand what he did wrong.

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Why Cupido was sent off

With twenty minutes to go in the game, Cupido was tackled from behind by Ngoanamello Rammala. The Cape Town Spurs attacker was furious with the tackle and approached the defender, pointing his finger at him.

Rammala pushed his head toward Cupido, a move that generally warrants a card, but it was Cupido who was sent off. Rammala was only shown a yellow for the original tackle.

Even the commentators couldn’t understand why the Spurs man paid the price, and neither can fans.

@Lorenz_KO:

“Ashley Cupido sent off for pointing his finger and Rammala.”

@TyriqueBurger:

“Ashley Cupido gets a red after a Casric player headbutts him ??? The Casric player gets a yellow, but Cupido gets sent off.”

@SkepeMatsebane:

“Why the hell was Cupido sent off for? When I say that referees think they are the law, this is what I am referring to. And this clown is still trying to show authority when he is terribly wrong. The officiating team today is just horrible.”

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How promotion and relegation works

The fight for the final place in the DStv Premiership for next season continues.

With the mini-tournament to decide who secures the final spot in the standings reaching the halfway stage, it’s anyone’s guess who will win it.

Sports Brief explains how promotion and relegation work in the DStv Premiership.