AFCON: Fans fault referees decision on Sadio Mane’s reckless tackle

Football fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the referees for not issuing a Red card to Sadio Mane for his reckless tackle on Ivorian midfielder Ibrahim Sangare during Senegal‘s Round of 16 clash with Ivory Coast at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday night.

Mane launched a dangerous tackle on Sangare with the studs of his boot exposed into the Ivorian midfielder’s leg.

According to the rule, such actions warrant a red card. However, Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho issued Mane a Yellow card instead, and VAR failed to intervene by calling the referee to review the tackle.

The incident generated outrage in social media as fans took to their Twitter accounts to vent their displeasure on the officiating and fault VAR for not reviewing Mane’s dangerous tackle on Sangaré.

An X user identified as Temidayo @thisistemidayo said the former Liverpool striker was lucky not to have been given a straight Red Card.

“Sadio Mane is so lucky here, this was a straight red card.:

Another X user Peter du Toit @peterTIFAfrica added: “Was that not a red card? Has Mane’s Afcon star status stopped him from getting a red? What are your thoughts? For me, he (Mane) is very lucky to still be on the field.”

Emmanuel Etim @Emiearth on his part blamed VAR for not calling out Mane’s tackle to the attention of the centre referees.

“That Mane red card deserving tackle is the first non-effective use of VAR at #AFCON2023. It was a crucial moment.”

Okpia @extrapolateASG also commented on his X handle:

“The major talking point is the Sadio Mane red card incident that wasn’t reviewed. 1 obvious error since the commencement of the tournament on Jan 13.”

A Chelsea fan identified as Spinky CFC @Spinkyszn tweeted after the match calling out VAR for the questionable decision not to issue a Red Card for Mane’s dangerous tackle on Sangare.

“No way Sadio Mane for Senegal escaped a red card, a questionable decision from VAR.”

Kachi the Sporty Chic @sportykachy added: “I’m still wondering how Sadie Mane escaped a Red card with this tackle.”

Nozy Funky Diablo @DiabloChaze also said: “Who else was surprised Senegal escaped a red card with this Sadio Mane’s reckless tackle.”