Cape Town - The Cheetahs have laid official complaints to SANZAAR and SA Rugby against referee Stuart Berry, who handled their Super Rugby clash against the Sharks in Durban at the weekend.

READ: Cheetahs deserved a penalty try - Mallett

The Cheetahs are upset that Berry did not award them a penalty try after several dominant scrums which the Sharks collapsed.

The visitors were leading 7-3 in the 24th minute when they put severe pressure on the Sharks scrum. The Cheetahs looked set to score, but the buckling Sharks scrum kept collapsing.



Despite protests from Cheetahs captain Francois Venter, Berry decided a penalty try was not warranted.

The Sharks emerged from that particular passage of play unscathed and went on to win 26-10.

The men from Bloemfontein were also upset as they felt Sharks captain Tendai Mtawarira was allowed back on to the field too soon after being yellow-carded, while Berry’s application of the advantage law was also questioned.

The Cheetahs on Monday confirmed via their official Facebook page that they had laid a complaint against Berry.

The statement reads: “Since Saturday’s match we have been inundated with reaction from fans over the handling of the match by referee, Stuart Berry. We share the frustration. The necessary procedures have been followed and the coaches and management have made their grievances felt at SANZAAR and SARU. It is now in their hands to take the matter further. There are measures taken against referees if there is sufficient cause and reason for action."