McCarthy faces PSL wrath after insult

Jonty Mark

Benni McCarthy (left) could find himself in hot water with the Premier Soccer League after referring to referee Phillip Tinyani as a “cow” following Cape Town City’s 2-1 defeat to Chippa United at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in the Absa Premiership on Sunday.

It was City’s third poor result in a row after they lost the MTN8 final to SuperSport United on penalties the weekend before and were then beaten in the league at home to Bloemfontein Celtic.

It is unclear what Tinyani did in the game that so riled McCarthy, but when asked about his performance in a post-match interview on Sunday McCarthy responded: “Don’t ask me about that cow.”

The City coach also lambasted some of his players.

“As a coach, you have to be more responsible, but I think some of our senior players need a wake-up call,” said McCarthy.

“I couldn’t believe what was happening in the second half, it’s like the team remained in the dressing-room. I don’t know who came out. We conceded two silly goals we wouldn’t usually concede and then we can’t seem to get over that. We can’t get back into it.

“It was a massive disappointment. I don’t know if I could blame myself, because what can you do when the team doesn’t pitch up in the second half? I’m tired of making excuses, saying the coach didn’t do this or that. Players have to stand up and be counted.”

McCarthy can blame his players all he likes, but it is also up to him to find a solution to his side’s problems ahead of Sunday’s visit to Baroka FC in the last-16 of the Telkom Knockout.