A Moroccan referee's alleged refusal to officiate Bafana Bafana's bronze medal match after he reportedly saw it as an insult to his career has now caused a stir among South Africans.
The story
CAF referee Redouane Jayed is said to have declined the opportunity to officiate the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations third-place match.
According to reports, the Moroccan cited health reasons for his refusal, however, a source has since claimed that Jayed actually felt insulted by the fact that he wasn't named as the referee for the AFCON final instead.
However, this hasn't prompted varying opinions from KickOff readers on Facebook.
"One would have thought that leading leagues on the African continent would be officiating top matches. However, I soon realized that my expectations were too high," says Kanye Pamba.
"He was still recovering from the chest pains caused by Bafana Bafana," says Khaya Vll.
"He was going to give DRC two penalties that one. He definitely did the right thing," says Dumisani Fuyana.
"Sense of entitlement from the Moroccans," says Sandiso Sorgo Tafeni.
"He took a right decision," says Stavo Paez.
"All we care about is the fact that we are 3rd place champions," says Philani Goba.
"I do understand his reason," says Mshengu Shabalala.
"The definition of professionalism does not exist in Morrocan referees, this tells us a lot about them," says Samkelo Zondi.
"He should continue to recover from the health issues inflicted by Bafana Bafana," says Felix Gomo.
"It was too personal for him so it's understandable," says Mdez Uacela.
"It was gonna be tough for him especially if Bafana lost. We were going to think it's Morroco avenging us," says Mombedzi Dfunzo.
"An example must be set. Motsepe is in the building, professionalism will be the order of the day and no more special treatment," says DarkCloud EBaller Zama.
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Meanwhile, KO readers also reacted to Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali's apology to Nigerian people after the Super Eagles had to settle for an AFCON runners-up spot.
"Crying too soon, you still have a relegation battle to fight," says Syabonga Cyah.
"A very good goalkeeper," says Mnoneleli Mnox Holweni.
"He must come back. He and his club chairman were starting to believe he is Casilas," says Siyanda Cya Mngonyama.
"This one must come back soon because we need to destroy and relegate Chippa United," says Mduduzi Siyandamahlubi Ka Hadebe.
"Come back to South Africa, we want to make sure Chippa boss pays for his behaviour during AFCON." says Alex Mveleli Mvee Nyamani.
"We still have an unfinished business, don't wipe those tears, it's still too soon," says Pule Mathulwe.
"Nwabali, come back. PSL is about to start," says Mbongeni Luzalo.
"Pain landed safely in Gqeberha," says Sakara Jama.
"You had a good tournament. Pick up yourself dude. Seek a European move. Work on your pace and how to punch aerial balls," says Thuso Tee.
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