FALLOUT: Rulani Mokwena accuses TS Galaxy of targeting Mamelodi Sundowns’ Bongani Zungu in act of revenge for Bernard Parker

Zungu had previously seen red back in October 2023, for a horrific challenge that had left veteran midfielder Parker with a broken leg.

To compound matters, Zungu had initially refused to accept his marching orders and refused to apologise for his tackle.

The double-leg fracture had left Parker on the sidelines for six months as he eventually made his return to action coincidentally against the Brazilians on Monday night.

Attacker Orebotse Mongae received a straight red after his challenge from behind on Zungu, who was then forced to limp off the pitch after being introduced as a substitute in the 76th minute.

A livid Mokwena in his post-match interview accused TS Galaxy of seeking revenge for the previous incident involving Zungu.

“I’m disappointed with the tackle on Bongani Zungu,” Rulani told SuperSport TV post-match.

“I’m very disappointed because I was told already last night, that the coach of the opposition showed the tackle that Bongani Zungu made on Bernard Parker to his players and said don’t forget what Bongani Zungu did.

“I am very disappointed, as these things happen and I can say again for a fact that Zungu’s tackle can happen in any other game, anywhere as I’ve seen worse tackles.

“We’ve got even Nassir (Abubeker Nassir) out injured, but we’ve forgiven and we’ve moved on.

“Because it’s a contact sport, but when we go and intentionally try to injure players and we send out these sorts of things, it’s a bit disappointing at a professional level.

“Anyway we do the talking on the pitch, and the players said to me ‘Coach, we’ve seen what has been going on in the media, don’t worry we’ll sort it out on the pitch’.

“I’m very proud of them and I want to thank them also.”