Fulham Midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi Pleads Innocence Over Red Card Against West Ham United

Having waited a long time for his official debut, Dikgacoi’s first start for Fulham was spoilt when he was given his marching orders by referee Phil Dowd after allegedly hitting Hammers midfielder Scott Parker in the face during their 2-2 draw.

The former Golden Arrows midfielder had spent only 42 minutes on the field when the spat with Parker took place.

According to the English media, Dowd initially showed yellow cards to both players, but after consulting with the linesman, he then gave the South African a red card.

Speaking to KickOff.com, Dikgacoi feels he was hard done by the referee's decision.

“Parker hit me with his head and I pushed him away to protect myself," he said. "I thought it was a bit unfair when the ref showed yellow cards to both of us, but to my surprise after consulting the referee he showed me red card.  

“I was very disappointed with the referee’s decision because I thought I didn’t deserve the card.

“My coach was also angry at half-time because he also felt that the referee was unfair in giving me the red card. However, he comforted me and told me that these things happen in football.”

Dikgacoi is consoling himself with a hope of doing well when Bafana Bafana take on Norway in an international friendly in Oslo on Saturday.

The Free State-born midfielder is set to jet off to Norway on Wednesday, where he will join the rest of his team-mates and coach Joel Santana for pre-match preparations.