Former FIFA referee Ace Ncobo has commented the incident that saw South African referee Victor Gomes offer Egypt superstar Mohamed Salah his whistle and card during Sunday’s African Cup of Nations final.
The incident happened towards the end of the first half of AFCON final, which Senegal won on penalties over record champions Egypt.
Salah seemed displaced with one of Gomes’ decisions in a heated first half, which lead to the South African match official offered his whistle and card – with the picture of the incident going viral on social media.
After some questioned whether Gomes was disrespectful to the Egypt captain, iDiski Times contacted former FIFA referee Ncobo to give his views on the situation.
“We interpret that as a public rebuke. It’s the last stage of a warning before a caution for dissent,” he told iDiski Times.
“Why would they regard it as disrespect to the player and not the player’s consistent dissent towards the referee?”
Ncobo also praised Gomes handing of the final, which saw over 50 fouls leading Gomes to dish out six yellow cards.
“Cup finals are unique occasions and present a referee with a huge platform to prove his refereeing prowess, and to stake a claim for inclusion in other international competitions,” he added.
“Gomes acquitted himself superbly in that final and has just about secured his place in the World Cup panel.
“As someone who’s mentored him from Day 1, amongst others who support and develop his abilities, it was indeed a proud moment.
“It is the culmination of many years of developmental work, which still continues as he seeks to make it into the World Cup panel.”
Story by David Kappel (@kappilinho).
