Tunisia’s Oussama Darragi Hit with Six-Month Ban for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Tunisian international Oussama Darragi has been handed a six-month suspension by the Tunisian Football League following serious misconduct during a recent domestic league match. The disciplinary decision comes after the Espérance de Tunis midfielder was accused of spitting toward the crowd during his side’s game against ES Zarzis.
The incident, which was detailed in the official referee’s report, has drawn sharp criticism and led to a swift and severe response from league authorities. Darragi’s gesture was deemed unsporting and disrespectful, prompting the league to impose one of the heaviest bans seen in Tunisian football in recent years.
While the sanction is significant, it coincides with the player’s spell on the sidelines. Darragi recently underwent ankle surgery and is expected to be out of action for approximately three months, meaning the suspension will overlap with part of his recovery period.
A statement from the Tunisian Football League confirmed the suspension and cited the need to set a clear precedent for professional conduct both on and off the pitch. The governing body emphasized that such behaviour undermines the integrity of the sport and would not be tolerated, regardless of a player’s status or past contributions.
Darragi, a former African-based Player of the Year and a key figure for Espérance, has not yet publicly commented on the suspension. It remains unclear whether his club will appeal the decision or take further disciplinary measures internally.
The incident has sparked broader debate within Tunisian football circles about player-fan relations and the responsibility of professional athletes to act as role models, especially in high-stakes matches where tensions often run high.
As Darragi begins his rehabilitation process, both his future on the field and his relationship with supporters may depend on how he and his club respond to this disciplinary setback.
