Saibari Suspension & Coach Punishment: Towel Riot Fallout

The African Football Association CAF has suspended Moroccan international Ismael Saibari for three matches for his part in the towel riot during the African Cup final a week and a half ago. He must also pay a $100,000 fine.

During the final against Senegal, Moroccan players and ball boys tried to take the towel from Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Mendy used the towel to dry his gloves during the rain-soaked final.

After Saibari was substituted in the 90th minute, he stood next to Senegal’s goal to try to prevent reserve keeper Yehvann Diouf from handing first keeper Mendy a new towel.

See images of the towel riot below:

For his role in this action, the PSV player, who later apologized for his behavior, was suspended from three international matches under the flag of the African Football Association. Captain Achraf Hakimi also threw the opponent’s towel over the billboards in the final. He has been suspended for two matches, one of which is conditional.

The CAF has suspended Senegalese national coach Pape Thiaw for five matches for ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ during the final. He must also pay a fine of $100,000.

Thiaw is punished because he ordered his players to leave the field in the final after Morocco had been awarded a penalty just before the end of regular playing time.

After a long delay, the Senegal players decided to return to the field after which Brahim Diaz missed the awarded penalty. A goal in extra time then gave Senegal the African title.

In addition to the punishment for Thiaw, two players have also been punished. Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr have to watch two matches for their behavior towards the referee. The behavior of the players during the final and that of the supporters also resulted in a fine of 615,000 dollars for the Senegalese association.

The Moroccan Football Association must also transfer money to the CAF. The behavior of the players and the use of laser pointers by the supporters has resulted in a fine of 315,000 dollars for the Moroccans.

Morocco had called for the outcome of the final to be annulled, but the CAF did not agree.