Santos goalkeeper Stanton Weir is not one for public outbursts.
But following Santos’ controversial 1-2 defeat to Young Bafana in Strand on Saturday, the veteran shot-stopper could no longer hold his tongue.
Weir was outstanding between the posts and even saved a penalty, but his heroics were not enough to prevent Santos from leaving Strand empty-handed.
Ironically, it was that very penalty decision that sparked his frustration.
“I think justice was done when I saved it because the foul was way outside the box,” Weir told No Bones with Jones. “The player rolled into the box after the tackle, but the challenge happened outside. The referee still gave a penalty. The linesman told us the ref already blew for pen and that he can’t overrule him.”
The former Hanover Park FC goalkeeper believes the officials, rather than either team, decided the contest. “Those three points belong to the referee. He won the game yesterday. We actually played against the officials and not Young Bafana.”
Weir went even further, insisting Santos were never troubled by their opponents.
“They weren’t a threat to us at all. The referee gave them two goals that shouldn’t have stood. The officials determine who wins games and, ultimately, who wins this league. It’s sad.”
According to the experienced goalkeeper, the frustration stems from the effort players put in throughout the week.
“We work hard every week and to be beaten like this is heartbreaking. All we ask for is fairness. If a team is better than us on the day, we can accept it. But this is difficult to take.”
Despite the defeat, Weir’s passionate response underlined a Santos side that remains defiant as it looks to climb away from the foot of the table.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY CJ’S MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY
