Palmgren won't criticise ref

Johannesburg - AmaZulu coach Roger Palmgren refused to be drawn into any criticism over the referee on Sunday, despite a series of controversial calls going against his side.

Usuthu took on Bloemfontein Celtic in the Free State this weekend and eventually went down 1-0 to an injury-time goal from Lerato Manzini.

However, the Durban club had been on the wrong end of numerous refereeing blunders, including having what appeared to be legitimate penalty appeals turned down in the first-half while the winning goal appeared to have been set up via a hand-ball.

Rodgers revealed the AmaZulu backroom staff were left seething with the match official after the game, but the Swede reserved his judgment in the post-match conference.

"I don't want to say anything about the referee but my directors and officials in the change room are mad with anger," Palmgren said.

"This was a crucial tie for us and it is particularly frustrating and tough when you have a point taken away like that."

Looking back on the Free State Stadium encounter, he added: "I think we controlled the game in the first half in general although Celtic came back strongly in the second half."

"But I was really proud of my guy's performance and that is a positive that we can take out of the game."

AmaZulu remain third-last in the PSL standings, with just eight points from their opening 10 Premiership matches.