Cup of Nations ref suspended

Tunisian referee Slim Jdidi has been suspended in the wake of his contentious handling of Wednesday's African Nations Cup semi-final in Nelspruit.

Last Updated: 07/02/13 at 17:34 Post Comment

Burkina Faso: Celebrate their place in the final

Burkina Faso: Celebrate their place in the final

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) general secretary Hicham El Amrani revealed Jdidi has been sanctioned for a "period yet to be determined" in the wake of strong criticism.

Burkino Faso progressed to Sunday's final with a 3-2 penalty shoot-out win over Ghana - but afterwards victorious coach Paul Put described Jdidi's display as "scandalous".

The west Africans have launched an appeal against the sending-off of star midfielder Jonathan Pitroipa for diving late in extra-time, when it appeared he had been tripped.

That was one of a number of incidents to have courted criticism, with a legitimate Prejuce Nakoulma goal in extra time ruled out while Ghana were also given a debatable penalty.

CAF will hear Pitroipa's appeal on Friday when Jdidi's performance could also be further discussed.

"The CAF is not happy with the refereeing of the match," El Amrani told a media briefing.

"We know that they (the referees) can make mistakes but he would hope for a better level of officiating.

"The referees are graded in each performance and based on this grading the Tunisian referee is suspended for a period yet to be determined. There is a meeting on Friday."

El Amrani also suggested that Pitroipa's appeal was likely to fail unless Jdidi had owned up to his mistake in a written report immediately after the match.

The Rennes midfielder would therefore miss Burkina Faso's first ever African Nations Cup final against favourites Nigeria in Johannesburg on Saturday.

"The organising committee has no power to change an arbitral award," he said.

"If the referee has admitted a mistake in his report, the committee will consider and make a decision if necessary.

"But this report (the one made by the referee after the game) is final."

Following the game, Burkina Faso boss Put told the BBC: "The refereeing decisions were scandalous.

"We've lost Jonathan Pitroipa now for the final. He's very important to us, but we are 23 players and it's up to the technical staff to devise tactics to beat Nigeria without him and (the injured) Alain Traore."

Burkina Faso captain Charles Kabore also questioned the refereeing display.

"The referee is human, all humans make mistakes, but he happened to make too many tonight," he told the BBC.

"But we're not going to dwell on that. We've qualified."

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Jose Mourinho to leave Real Madrid at end of the season

Real Madrid will allow Jose Mourinho to leave at the end of the season as speculation grows about his return to Chelsea.

Paul Dickov named Doncaster Rovers manager

Former Oldham boss Paul Dickov has been named as the new manager of Doncaster Rovers, replacing Brian Flynn.

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer unsure of future as he waits on offer

Mark Schwarzer believes he has done everything in his power to show that he deserves a new deal at Fulham.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved