Referee Thabani Bamala was again under the spotlight when he took charge of a league match between Harare City and Herentals on Saturday.

Bamala who made headlines in April when he denied CAPS United a legitimate goal against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium was on Saturday escorted from the pitch after he awarded a controversial penalty in the second half which saw the Students netting the winner their 2-1 victory.

The set-piece came as a result of a questionable handball by Takundzwa Chimwemwe in the 54th minute. The ball appeared to hit the forward’s back as he attempted to block Juan Mutudza’s pass.

The referee’s performance also left Harare City coach fuming after the game. He said: “We have been cheated, you wonder why you have to work the whole week, this is scandalous.”

Ashwin Chihowa scored the opening goal of the encounter on the 8th minute before Mutudza equalised on the quarter hour mark.

Herentals got the advantage from the controversial penalty which was converted by Blessing Majarira on minute 54.