AFC seeks explanation from Al Hilal over Crysencio Summerville red card

The Asian Football Confederation’s disciplinary committee has contacted Al Hilal requesting information about Crysencio Summerville’s dismissal during their AFC Champions League Elite match against Al Gharafa.

Summerville was sent off following a confrontation with Al Gharafa midfielder Ismael Bennacer in the opening-round fixture. The incident took place in the 32nd minute and involved several players before the referee issued red cards to both Summerville and Bennacer.

The dispute began when Summerville grabbed Al Gharafa player Abdulrahman Al-Rashidi by his shirt and forcefully pushed him, causing him to fall outside the field of play. As other players intervened, Bennacer pulled Summerville by the head, triggering a more serious confrontation between the two teams.

The referee showed Summerville a straight red card during the altercation. After the situation had calmed, Bennacer was also dismissed with a direct red card.

Saudi newspaper Okaz reported on Tuesday that Summerville is certain to miss Al Hilal’s next AFC Champions League Elite match against Al Sadd after receiving the automatic one-match suspension that follows a sending-off.

However, the player could face a longer absence if the final disciplinary report from the referee and the Asian Football Confederation results in further action. According to the report, the punishment could be extended by two additional matches.

Al Hilal must now respond to the disciplinary committee’s request as the Asian Football Confederation reviews the circumstances surrounding the clash. The final decision will determine whether Summerville is unavailable only for the match against Al Sadd or misses further games in the competition.

Summerville began his professional career with Dutch club Feyenoord before moving to English sides Leeds United and West Ham. He joined Al Hilal after spells with those two clubs.

Bennacer was making his first appearance for Al Gharafa when the incident occurred. Both players’ dismissals came during a match that was already notable for his debut with the Qatari club, but the disciplinary consequences will now be determined separately by the Asian Football Confederation.