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Referee Involved In Tunisia AFCON Controversy Sanctioned By CAF

Referee Involved In Tunisia AFCON Controversy Sanctioned By CAF

Mauritian referee Seechurn Rajindrapasard officiated the match between Tunisia and host Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-final of the ongoing 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCOM) on January 31, and his performance during the match led to the Carthage Eagles being knocked out in shady circumstances.

This match prompted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take a closer look at the matter, along with an official letter from the Tunisian football authorities asking the continental governing body to investigate.

In response to the issue, CAF released a statement that revealed Rajindrapasard’s fate.

“The Referees Committee noted with regret the poor performance of the referee during the match, including an unacceptable failure to maintain calm and ensure proper control of the players during the match,” read the statement.

As a consequence of this below par refereeing performance, CAF decided to end Rajindrapasard’s time as a referee at this particular AFCON, and in addition he is suspended for six months, while also being removed from the CAF A Elite Referees panel.

Due to the reaction of both the Tunisia and Equatorial Guinea fans in invading the pitch, as well as the manner in which authorities and players from the Tunisian delegation reacted to the result of the match, a number of other punishments were dolled out to the parties mentioned at CAF’s emergency meeting held in Bata.

“The incidents noted in the meeting, included a pitch invasion by fans, the aggressive attitude of some supporters in the stands, invading of the pitch after the final whistle by players and substitutes of the Tunisian team – insulting the referee of the match and trying to physically assault him – the regrettable behavior of the president of the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF), Mr. Wadie Jary, entering the field of play and strongly criticizing the referee and CAF; and vandalism by some Tunisian players which included breaking of a door in the locker room area and a fridge,” the statement read.

As a result the Tunisians were asked to apologise to CAF for suggestions that they were unethical and biased, while they received a $50,000 fine for their actions and have been asked to pay for damaged to facilities at the stadium that were damaged, once the local authorities provide an estimated cost.

Regarding a punishment for the local fans, the statement added, “Considering the pitch invasion by some Equatoguinean fans and the lack of security measures observed, and based on Article 151 para 2 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, the Disciplinary Jury of CAF imposed a financial penalty of US$5,000 (Five Thousand US Dollars) on FEGUIFUT, and asked them to ensure that all security arrangements are taken to ensure the smooth running of the matches of the semifinals and finals of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations in 2015.”