Bongani Zungu: Social Media Reacts to Horror Tackle on Parker Which Left His Leg Fractured

• Bongani Zungu received a straight red card for his late challenge on Bernard Parker
• The TS Galaxy veteran was treated and taken off on a stretcher with his leg in a cast
• Parker gave a wave to the crowd on the way off as Zungu was pleading his innocence

Fractions of a second can determine safety or a hospital stay.

TS Galaxy eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns from the Carling Knockout Cup on Wednesday night, but that was just the stage for far greater drama.

As well as a rant by Sundowns coach, Rhulani Mokwena, Masandawana's physicality has come under the spotlight after a horror moment.

Having already picked up five yellow cards, the sixth bookable offence was a straight red for Bongani Zungu.

Attacking the loose ball, Zungu approached Parker, who got there first, but the Sundowns man went in hard and fractured the veteran's leg above the ankle.

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Accusations were immediately levelled at the Brazilians, as fans sympathised with one of South African football's most loved personalities.

Orlando Pirates fans pointed out similar incidents involving Nkosinathi Sibisi and Monnapule Saleng.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, @Zkingsa2 posted:

"We have been crying us Pirates fans that Sundowns is playing dirty...It's like they train for this."

Another set of irate fans questioned why coach Mokwena did not mention the incident in his post-match comments, instead of ranting about the fixture schedule.

The Sundowns boss claimed his team was the only one to ever play the day after an international break and he did not have his top players at his disposal.

In the aftermath, Mokwena did clarify his position, as quoted by KickOff:

"I hope it is not as serious as it looks. Knowing Bongani, it was not malicious, and that there was no malicious intent behind it. The only thing I can say is that I wish Bernard Parker a speedy recovery."

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Parker, who will turn 38 next year, was visited in hospital by his teammates, with social media full of support in wishing him a speedy recovery.

Dramatic first cup tie

Sports Brief recently reported on TS Galaxy's elimination of Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup.

The Rockets' new goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari saved two penalties in the shootout to dump Mokwena's men out.

TS Galaxy had taken an early two-goal lead but Gaston Sirino pounced late to send the match into extra time.