South Africa coach Hugo Broos has used Lionel Messi’s World Cup controversy to question the severity of Themba Zwane’s suspension.
Zwane was sent off in South Africa’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico on June 11 after catching Roberto Alvarado in the face in the 84th minute. FIFA later handed him a three-match ban for violent conduct, leaving Bafana Bafana without a key midfielder for a crucial stretch.
The frustration is not just about losing Zwane. Broos believes the punishment looks even harsher when compared with a Messi challenge that went without a card.
Lionel Messi VAR controversy fuels Hugo Broos criticism over Themba Zwane ban
Sport Africa shared Broos’ frustration after he compared Zwane’s suspension with Messi avoiding punishment against Algeria.
Broos first raised the issue before South Africa’s match against Czechia, saying, “I think that the red card is too severe.”
He then referenced the Messi incident, adding: “I don’t think it was a red card when I see what happened yesterday with [Lionel] Messi. I don’t agree, certainly not. I think there was not even a VAR with Messi,” Broos later added.
Broos also argued that Zwane had been impeded before making contact, saying: “When you see the situation, the Mexican player blocked my player…When you get the red card for that, and then a three-game suspension. I’m sorry, but this is much, much too severe.”
Themba Zwane red card leaves South Africa with World Cup problem
Broos had already questioned the decision after the Mexico defeat, saying: “The second red card we can discuss. It was the Mexican player who was blocking my player. But it’s the position of the referee, and we have to accept it also, but I think it was too soft to give that as a red card.”
For South Africa, the consequences are immediate. Zwane’s ban follows Yaya Sithole’s red card in the same match, forcing Broos to reshape his midfield against Czechia in Atlanta.
South Africa are expected to appeal Zwane’s punishment, but the larger argument is about consistency. Broos is not asking for Messi to be banned, he is asking why similar flashpoints appear to be judged so differently.
That is why the issue has grown beyond one red card. South Africa’s World Cup hopes are now tied to a disciplinary debate they believe has already cost them too much.
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