The match between Morocco and the DRC at Afcon 2023 was the scene of a heated altercation between Morocco coach Walid Regragui and Congolese captain Chancel Mbemba. After a confusing sequence and sharp verbal exchanges, the CAF disciplinary jury met on January 24 to rule on this incident.
Last Sunday, the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro (Ivory Coast) was the scene of an explosive confrontation between Morocco coach Walid Regragui and DRC captain Chancel Mbemba. However, the key information that broke this Wednesday evening is the suspension of Regragui, coach of the Atlas Lions.
The tension between the two teams started well before the end of the match, with a total of 34 fouls and 4 yellow cards. Hostilities culminated in added time when DRC captain Chancel Mbemba refused to leave the field despite injuring his right calf. This decision resulted in a yellow card and angered Moroccan coach Walod Regragui. The medical staff and the stretcher intervened, but Mbemba resisted the idea of leaving the game.
After the final whistle, the altercation resumed with a timid handshake between Regragui and Mbemba. Verbal exchanges broke out, with accusations of insults and aggressive gestures. Images broadcast by BeIN Sport captured a tense moment where Regragui held Mbemba’s hand, which sparked a general scuffle between the two teams.
CAF sanctions Walid Regragui
Mbemba’s exit after the match adds new light to the situation. According to the Congolese captain, Regragui uttered unacceptable words, which the Moroccan coach firmly denies. But the African Football Confederation, which took up the matter, has just made a decision.
Meeting this Wednesday, January 24, the CAF disciplinary jury decided to sanction Walid Regragui. The Morocco coach is suspended for 4 matches with the Atlas Lions, including 2 suspended for a period of one year, for assault on the player Chancel Mangulu Mbemba, in application of article 123 of the disciplinary code of the CAF. In addition, the Moroccan technician is ordered to pay a fine of 5,000 dollars.
Automatically, the Royal Moroccan Federation appealed the decision of CAF to try to reduce the suspension of its coach. In the meantime, Walid Regragui should not be on the Morocco bench this Wednesday evening against Zambia, during the last match of the group stage of Afcon 2023.
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