The Cheetahs discipline has been a real concern this season, but the referee Amiee Barrett-Theron penalised the Free Staters on 21 occasions, which is exceedingly high.

A total of 35 penalties were awarded in the game, while the Cheetahs were punished with three yellow cards and the Pumas with one.

Fourie said that they are better than 21 penalties.

“It's difficult to say because we are not allowed to comment on the referee.

“But, to award 12 penalties with two at one stage in the first half, I haven't seen that before.

“We're a professional team. The guys know the rules, they know what to do, so it was strange to me.

But we've got to accept it, take it on the chin and carry on.”

The defeat had ended the Cheetahs' chances of making the semi-finals of the Currie Cup.

The Cheetahs will travel to Pretoria this week to face the Bulls in what will be their last match for quite some time. There are murmurings that there will be more clarity on the Cheetahs' future in this week.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport