PSL referees targeting Sundowns players - Miguel Cardoso

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says his players are easily targeted by the PSL referees, noting the amount of yellow cards his team has already accumulated in the early stages of the 2026/27 campaign.

This comes after the Brazilians received four yellow cards in their 5-2 win over AmaZulu FC in a Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night, where the Portuguese tactician was also cautioned.

Cardoso expressed discontent with the manner in which cards are brandished to Sundowns in contrast to other teams in the league, urging the officials to stop targeting his players as it could affect their title charge in the long run.

“I'm just not very happy about seeing my players receive so many yellow cards. I think it's important that we understand that we have already in six matches, 15 yellow cards, a team like Sundowns that dominates matches after matches,” said the outspoken Downs mentor.

"You go to see the stats and see how much ball possession we have and we finished with four yellow cards, AmaZulu with one. We played Golden Arrows, we finished with three, Golden Arrows one. We played Marumo Gallants, one yellow card, Marumo Gallants zero. Chiefs it was four each. Polokwane City it was two each, but Polokwane City should have had three yellow cards.

"And just for you to understand, last year we had 53 yellow cards, Pirates had 28. We had four red cards, Pirates had zero red cards. The yellow cards put players out as we go through the championship, and those matches in the front will speak for this championship.

"I speak to the referees, please pay attention to the way you are so easily coming to target my players because it's too easy to target my players. When I received my yellow card that's what I told the referee, please it's too easy to target my players, it shouldn't be like that.

The Sundowns boss went on to set the record straight that the African champions are not bullies nor a dirty team on the pitch, amid question marks over the cautions they receive each season.

“We are a team that plays positive football with respect, just understand the role and the way we play the game and how we respect the football, we are not a bad team or bullies inside the pitch, we are a team that wants to play the game,” Cardoso added.

"So, let's hope indeed this situation can be corrected because the yellow cards will take players out in the front and we want our players to be able to play as much as the players from the teams we fight against - the rules are the same for everybody.

The Tshwane giants, meanwhile, return to action with the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final clash against Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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