Barker slams 'absolutely indescribable' referee error that ultimately decided MTN8 final

There was a sombre look on the face of Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker as he entered the post-match press conference after his team's 3-1 MTN8 final defeat to Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

He had reason to feel hard done by. Referee Abongile Tom's stoppage-time decision ultimately decided the tie as the Buccaneers entered the football heavens, becoming the first-ever team to win the MTN8 three times in a row.

The scores were deadlocked at 1-1 courtesy of Lehlohonolo Mojela's early goal and Monnapule Saleng's equaliser, and the match was heading for extra time, but Ismael Toure's tackle on Patrick Maswanganyi resulted in Tom rightly blowing his whistle for a foul.

But what happened next changed the face of the game.

Relebohile Mofokeng took the resulting free kick quickly, but a few feet away from where the foul was committed.

Was the referee correct for this call? ??

Our experts weigh in on the match-defining moment ??#MTN8 pic.twitter.com/n0HAG3Io2u

The teen played the ball towards Tshegofatso Mabasa, and the lanky striker placed the ball neatly past Sage Stephens, who had an unbelievable game despite the result.

Tom's crucial oversight, where he failed to apply the basic rules of football, left Stellenbosch heartbroken.

Equally, the Cape Winelands side made a costly mistake by not playing to the referee's whistle - a fundamental principle in the game.

In football terms, it's almost a criminal offence, as any seasoned player or fan would agree. 

However, Barker, in his own right, saw the situation differently.

"Unfortunately, you won't get too much out of me this evening," Barker told reporters after the match in Durban.

"I thought it was a good game of football, very competitive, up until it was