Pyramids FC are at the heart of a refereeing storm following their CAF Champions League semi-final first leg against Orlando Pirates, with Ramadan Sobhi and Feston Mailly reportedly sent off during the heated encounter.
The Egyptian club received an official letter from CAF stating that both players were dismissed following protests after a Walid El Karti goal was disallowed. Tensions rose after the goal was ruled out for offside, despite claims the ball deflected off an Orlando defender.
An inside source told Kooora that the CAF Referees Committee later questioned the officiating team. It was revealed that the fourth official, not the main referee, showed red cards to Sobhi and Mailly during the incident. However, referee Pacific Ndabihawinmana clarified that he did not officially send the players off and provided his view on the disputed goal.
CAF’s letter also confirmed that yellow cards were handed to Pyramids defender Mahmoud Merhi and technical director Krunislav Jurcic.
Pyramids drew 0-0 with Orlando last Saturday at Soccer City, with two of their goals ruled out in a tense semi-final showdown.
