Michael Essien, a former Ghana and Chelsea midfielder, has questioned the use of red cards by officials at the present African Cup of Nations(AFCON) in Cameroon.
In the AFCON, there have been many differing viewpoints on how random tackles are judged red cards, with many believing that the officials are misusing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
In Ghana’s most recent match against Comoros, captain Andre Ayew received a red card for an innocuous challenge after the referee had initially shown him a yellow card.
The Ghana captain prodded home after the Comoros goalkeeper spilled a shot, but his momentum carried him into the goalie’s arms.
Ayew was awarded a red card following a review by the referee on the VAR monitor, while Nigeria received another soft red card on Sunday when Alex Iwobi trod on the heels of a Tunisian player after losing the ball and was shown a straight red card.
Comoros’ captain was sent off in the round of 16 due to a harsh red card, causing Essien to lament that the red cards have been surprising.
“Some of these red card decisions in #AFCON are shocking. Is football getting soft” he tweeted.
The former Ghana midfielder is now a coach at Danish side FC Nordsjaelland.
Some of these red card decisions in #AFCON are shocking. Is football getting soft???⚽️????????
— Michael Essien® (@MichaelEssien) January 24, 2022
