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FIFA Reduce Rabiu’s Ban
(From Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Egypt,
Courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)
ISMAILIA, Oct. 5, GNA – The Federation of International
Football Association, (FIFA) has reduced the three-match ban
imposed on Black Satellites midfielder, Rabiu Mohammed after
he picked a red card during the last Group D game against
Uruguay in the U-20 World Cup at the Ismailia Stadium last
Friday.
A FIFA response to Ghana’s protest of the player’s expulsion
by Croatian referee Ivan Bebek against the midfielder
chanced upon by GNA Sports has reduced the three match ban
to two, including the game against Uruguay.
The Croat sent off Rabiu in 74th minute after what appeared
to be a mild challenge in the middle and for that Ghana is
relying on FIFA to overturn the decision after television
replay showed no contact was made between the two players.
The FIFA communiqué which also crossed out a fine Ghana was
mandated to pay for the player’s red card said Rabiu will
now miss only the knockout game against South Africa on
Tuesday and would be available for the quarter final round
on Friday.
Ghana pieced together an appeal which includes recorded
version of the said tackle that gave birth to the red card
few hours after the game in which the Satellites
relinquished a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at the end.
Rabiu sent Ghana ahead in the 53rd minute when he picked a
ball from the right flank, dribbled his way through
shredding off challenges from two defenders then took a
dummy before capping his effort with a beautiful goal that
sealed an individualist effort.
The creative midfielder however on the 75th minute, had a
sad end to an otherwise good day when a lame tackle earned
him a red card that was to deplete Ghana’s midfield.
Rabiu broke down in tears when he exited the pitch in an
obvious dismay as to what might have influenced referee
Bebek’s decision.
Ghana struggled after the player’s exit and conceded two
late goals to gift the South Americans a point which they
will later celebrate like a win.
GNA
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