The Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to suspend Ghana’s player, Benjamin Tetteh, for allegedly assaulting a Gabonese player.
The striker was shown a red card after the final whistle of the match which means he would miss two automatic matches but CAF decided to add another one match suspension due to the player’s conduct to make it three.
This decision was arrived at after CAF held a meeting today, January 15, 2021 to deliberate on a number of incidents that occurred at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021.
“On 13th January 2022, Gabon played Ghana at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde. The match officials indicated in their report that at the final whistle, Ghana player Benjamin Tetteh allegedly assaulted a Gabonese player.
“CAF Disciplinary Board decided to: suspend Ghana player Benjamin Tetteh for one additional game match in addition to his automatic suspension of two matches. Consequently, the player has been suspended for three matches.
“The Disciplinary Board has also issued a stern warning to both teams for their unsportsmanship behaviour after referees’ full time whistle”.
CAF
Ghana vs Gabon
The Black Stars came into the match on the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco. The former champions broke the deadlock through captain Andre Dede Ayew before Ngowet Allevinah equalized for Gabon.
Captain Andre Dede Ayew gave Ghana the lead with a clinical strike on the 19th minute to revive the team’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
Gabon started the second half better with several openings against the Ghanaians who tried to keep possession. The Panthers left it late to draw level through substitute Ngowet Allevinah’s cracking low drive past the keeper to boost their chances of a last 16 place.
A Ghanaian player was on the turf but ignoring the fair play rule, the Gabonese players took the ball and continued the play which eventually resulted in the goal. The Black Stars protested but the referee accepted the goal which eventually resulted in chaotic scenes after the final whistle. It was during the incident that Benjamin Tetteh allegedly assaulted the Gabonese player.
Other disciplinary issues
CAF also took a decision on another incident involving a red card issued to Mali player, Bilal Toure, in their controversial game against Tunisia which the Eagles won by a goal to nil.
CAF stated in a statement issued by the Communication Department that Mali Football Federation contested the red card awarded to their player, Bilal Toure in their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations fixture against Tunisia on January 12, 2022 in Limbe.
Announcing its decision, the continent’s football governing body said: “CAF Disciplinary Board upheld the decision of the referee. Consequently, Bilal Toure is suspended for two matches”.
Violation of CAF Regulations and Directives by Gabon
Gabon after receiving a stern warning from CAF due to its “unsportsmanship behavior” in the game against Ghana, could not go scout free in its refusal to heed CAF’s directives.
CAF disclosed in the statement that Gabon was charged with violating the CAF Regulations and Directives within the framework of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.
The Confederation of African Football indicated that on January 6, 2022, Gabon allegedly went against CAF instructions and changed its hotel without permission from CAF.
“This is after CAF’s Safety and Security department had refused their request to change hotel. The CAF Disciplinary Board found Gabon guilty and imposed a fine of USD 20, 000 for non-compliance with CAF’s directives”.
CAF
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