ES Tunis will be without Youcef Belaïli for their upcoming Tunisian Ligue 1 fixture against AS Gabès after the winger received his third yellow card of the season during Wednesday’s match against ES Sahel.
Costly yellow card for Belaïli
During the league encounter against ES Sahel, which ES Tunis won 3-0, Belaïli was booked for dissent after contesting a decision by Portuguese referee Luis Godinho.
The booking was deemed unnecessary, as the incident in question had little impact on the match itself.
Belaïli had played a pivotal role in his side’s victory, converting a 14th-minute penalty to open the scoring before initiating the move that led to Raed Bouchniba’s goal in the 47th minute.
However, his protest to the referee ultimately proved costly, as it resulted in his automatic suspension for Saturday’s fixture against AS Gabès.
Temperament overshadowing talent?
While Belaïli’s technical brilliance is undisputed, his fiery temperament has often been a point of contention.
His on-field discipline has been questioned in the past, with critics pointing out that his emotional reactions sometimes lead to unnecessary bookings.
The Algerian international remains a key figure for ES Tunis, but his latest suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure in crucial moments.
If he can manage his temper better, it may even improve his chances of earning a return to the Algerian national team, a goal that remains within reach given his undeniable talent.
ES Tunis look to maintain momentum
With Belaïli absent, ES Tunis will have to adjust their attacking setup as they prepare to face AS Gabès.
The team will be looking to continue their strong league form and extend their position at the top of the table.
As for Belaïli, this latest suspension may serve as a lesson in self-discipline, ensuring that his immense talent remains the focal point of his performances rather than his moments of frustration on the pitch.
