AFCON 2015: Gervinho Handed Two-Match Ban Following Red Card Incident
By BBC Sport Africa
Malabo – 21 January 2015
Ivory Coast forward Gervinho has been handed a two-match suspension by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following his red card during the Elephants’ opening Africa Cup of Nations match against Guinea.
The AS Roma striker was sent off early in the second half of the Group D clash, which ended 1-1, after he slapped an opponent in an off-the-ball incident. The dismissal left the Ivorians a man down for much of the second period, hampering their efforts to secure a win.
CAF confirmed the disciplinary decision on Wednesday, ruling Gervinho out of Ivory Coast’s next two group-stage matches — against Mali and Cameroon.
Despite offering a public apology on social media shortly after the incident, Gervinho’s contrition was not enough to spare him punishment.
“I would like to offer my sincere apologies to the Ivorian nation, to my teammates, to the supporters and to the organisers of the CAN for this gesture of anger which is unlike me and which obviously has no place on a football field,” Gervinho wrote.
The 27-year-old’s absence is a major blow for Ivory Coast, who are already under pressure following their opening draw. As one of the team’s most experienced attackers, Gervinho has often been pivotal in the Elephants’ offensive play.
Former Cameroon international Patrick Mboma, now a pundit, had criticised the Ivorian’s conduct, calling the red card “unnecessary and damaging.”
Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard will now have to reshuffle his attacking setup for the remaining group games as his side aims to secure a place in the knockout stages.
The Elephants face Mali next, followed by a potentially decisive clash with Cameroon, both without one of their key players.
Let me know if you’d like a preview of Ivory Coast’s next match without Gervinho or a deeper look at how his absence could affect their tactics.
