Bartlett slams lower-division referees

Bartlett is calling for an improvement from the match officials as they could indirectly cost coaches jobs.

He claims it is difficult to win a game in the division due to the standard of officiating and that referees should be held accountable.

"As much as we can only control what's in our hands which are the games and training. A lot of other things come in to play which we sadly have to speak about because at the end of the day it could be the end of the coaches’ job when you are losing the game and not getting the right decision going for you,” he said.

"I think there needs to be some element of obviously consequence as far as the officiating are concerned. We can't keep saying it was a mistake by the official. We are all human; we understand that but when the mistake is constantly happening then it's no longer a mistake. Then it becomes a habit then obviously that needs to be looked into,”

A frustrated Bartlett recalls several games Spurs lost due to dubious decisions. 

"Even at home we lost to JDR through a goal that was allowed where the ball never crossed the line. Even when we beat Venda two weeks ago we won 2-1 and the referee gives a penalty two metres away," he said.

"The assistant referee is 40 metres away then he says no penalty so there's a lot of questions that come into mind. TTM we lost the game 1-0, we scored in the 94th minute our player runs 3 metres onsite scores the goal the assistant referee again says no goal," he added.

"So, it's happening more and more and it's very frustrating for me as a coach because you do everything possible with your players in order to prepare them to win games and then the decision goes against you. Where, obviously they're not allowing you to get results,"

Spurs are fifth on the log table with 18 points from eleven matches and trail leaders Polokwane City by seven. They are targeting an automatic qualification to the premier division, where Bartlett is itching to coach again.

"At the end of the day we want to try our outmost best that Spurs this year gets that automatic spot at getting promoted. But like I always say, it's funny that I am always linked at every job that's available whether I'm in a job or not. 

I think at the end of the day it's where I am currently, I always want to honour my contract and make sure that I finish the job. Then after that I can make a decision but the PSL is always a level up where I would like to try," he concluded.

By Charles Baloyi