Gavin Hunt has slated referee Peter Mabuza for the crucial decisions he believes cost SuperSport United two vital points against Santos.

'The People's Team' earned a 2-2 draw at the Super Stadium on Tuesday night, leaving them just three points adrift of the league leaders.

Hunt felt that the stalemate was due to some poor officiating from Mabuza, who is no stranger to controversy.

In August, the ref was temporarily demoted to the First Division after some crucial mistakes during Ajax Cape Town's MTN8 semi-final, first-leg clash against Kaizer Chiefs. One of the incidents saw Mabuza blow for half time with about nine minutes still to play.

Hunt pointed to more errors after the final whistle on Tuesday night. "Their first goal was an indirect free kick, yet it went in without anybody touching it, but he gave a goal. It was not supposed to be a goal and I don't believe Bongani Khumalo deserved a red card.

"Their goalkeeper pushed Bongani, not the other way round. It was not a red card, no chance. If my player used some unprintable words, I will fine him six months' wages, but I don't think my player did anything wrong, please. Anyway, we have to keep on battling," said Hunt.

The 'Matsatsantsa' mentor also felt his men deserved a win and tipped the impressive Thandani Ntshumaelo to build on his Man-of-the-Match display. "We played better and there was no danger from the opposition.

"He (Ntshumaelo) didn't play well against Orlando Pirates, but against Santos he was very good. He is only 19 so he is going to go very far," he concluded.