Esperance star Youssef Belaili has been dealt a major blow just before a key Tunisian league clash.
The Appeals Committee of the Tunisian Football Association has upheld the two-match ban handed to the Algerian winger for making obscene gestures toward Shabibet El Omrane fans during a recent draw.
The decision means Belaili will miss the much-anticipated derby against El-Afri. He already sat out Esperance’s 1-0 win over Gafsa, and Thursday’s ruling confirms he won’t feature in the next match either.
Esperance are currently level on 56 points with Al Ittihad Monastiry at the top of the table, with El-Afri trailing closely by a single point. The absence of Belaili could weigh heavily on Esperance as they push to maintain their lead.
With tension building ahead of the derby, fans were hoping the appeal would clear their star. Instead, the suspension remains in place, putting added pressure on the rest of the squad to deliver.
Belaili’s absence from the derby could prove crucial in the tight title race.
