TS Galaxy’s Sipho Maseti leaves fans stunned after handling the ball outside the area in stoppage time, apparently fooled by the extra markings on a dual-purpose pitchTS Galaxy goalkeeper Sipho Maseti produced one of the most bizarre moments of the new South African Premiership season after appearing to mistake a rugby field marking for the edge of his penalty area, earning a straight red card in a dramatic stoppage-time incident.The unusual dismissal came during TS Galaxy’s 2-2 draw against Siwelele FC at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, with video of the incident quickly going viral and leaving football fans around the world stunned.With the match deep into added time and the scores locked at 2-2, Maseti comfortably moved forward to collect a long clearance. Believing he was still inside his penalty area, the goalkeeper picked up the ball with his hands — only to realise moments later that he had crossed outside the 18-yard box.The referee immediately produced a straight red card for deliberate handball outside the area, while Maseti stood in disbelief after his costly misjudgment.WATCH:
Rugby lines appear to trigger bizarre confusion
The incident is believed to have been caused by the extra markings on the dual-purpose surface at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, which also hosts rugby matches.Replays appeared to show Maseti confusing one of the rugby field lines with the boundary of his own penalty area, prompting him to handle the ball several metres outside the legal zone.The sending-off capped a forgettable outing for the TS Galaxy goalkeeper, who had earlier gifted Siwelele their opening goal when his attempted clearance ricocheted off forward Siphesihle Jeza and into the net.Despite those setbacks, TS Galaxy battled back through a Victor Letsoalo penalty and a Veluyeke Zulu header to keep themselves in the contest.
Late heroics rescue TS Galaxy
Maseti’s red card threatened to undo all of Galaxy’s hard work, but the visitors found an unlikely hero in substitute goalkeeper Ira Tape.Thrown into action immediately after the dismissal, Tape produced an outstanding save from Jordan Marks’ resulting free-kick to preserve the 2-2 draw and ensure TS Galaxy escaped with a valuable point.While Maseti’s dismissal became one of the defining moments of the opening weekend, the dramatic finish also highlighted Galaxy’s resilience after twice recovering from setbacks.
