FANS have praised referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa for his officiating during Senegal’s semi-final win over Burkina Faso at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Ethiopian overturned two penalty decisions to Senegal after VAR reviews in a dramatic first half.
Firstly, Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi collided with Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate in the box.
But the shotstopper appeared to get to the ball with a punch and Tessema ruled no penalty after reviewing the collision on the pitchside monitor.
Ten seconds before the break, Edmond Tapsoba was booked for handball and the referee pointed to the spot.
However, after another review Tessema overturned the booking and the penalty decision.
Footballing fans took to Twitter to hail his officiating, praising his decision to overturn the penalty calls.
One posted, “The referee in the Burkina Faso Senegal game is having such a good game. Has got right all the key decisions and is clearly in charge. Refreshing to see at AFCON.’
“I’ve seen this referee doing a couple of games at the AFCON semi-final tonight,’ wrote another.
“I like his style; totally officious, quick to reach for his cards and blow for a penalty, and just as quick to change his mind once he sees the VAR.
‘Likes a high waistband too. Top reffing.’
‘Fantastic refereeing the referee to cancel the yellow card and Penalty which had been given for Senegal,’ said another fan.
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The tournament had been labelled an ‘absolute joke’ because referees were ‘spoiling’ the tournament with red cards.
AFCON has produced 13 sending offs so far, as many as the last four tournaments combined and fans have been left furious.
