Referee Slim Jdidi suspended after African Nations Cup controversy

The Confederation of African Football has banned Tunisian referee Slim Jdidi after a questionable performance in Wednesday’s African Nations Cup semi-final victory by Burkina Faso over Ghana.

One of the main concerns was the ejection of Burkina Faso striker Jonathan Pitroipa who was given a second yellow for simulation late into injury time and could miss Sunday’s championship match against Nigeria.

“The CAF was not happy with the standard of refereeing in the match,” general secretary Hicham El Amrani said on Thursday. “We know they can make mistakes but we are expecting a better level of refereeing.”

Jdidi denied a penalty kick for Pitroipa in the opening minutes of the match and then Ghana were awarded a penalty during a similar play in the 13th minutes adding fuel to the controversy.

The referee also disallowed a Burkina Faso goal by Prejuce Nakoulma in the second half further enraging players and coaching staff.

“The referee is human, all humans make mistakes, but he happened to make too many tonight,” said Burkina Faso captain Charles Kabore.

Burkina Faso has appealed the Pitroipa red card and charged the only way the player can avoid suspension is an omission by Jdidi that he made an error in the sending the player off.

The CAF organizing committee will make their final decision on Friday of whether or not Pitroipa can take part in the final.

RedCardTheRef.com