World Cup 2026: Zwane’s Three-Game Suspension Too Severe, South Africa Coach Broos

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says the red card and three-match suspension of Themba Zwane is too severe - citing the incident of Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, Idiski Time reports.

Zwane, 36, was sent off with a straight red for what was described as violent conduct in an off the ball incident when he appeared to strike the Mexican opponent in the face slightly after a challenge.

He received his marching order upon Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) and FIFA has since laid down a three-match suspension, which Broos confirmed in the pre-match press conference, they will appeal.

But speaking on the incident, the Belgian who’s known for his outspoken nature, did not mince his words over the incident that now leaves him without the influential playmaker, while Sphephelo Sithole has a one match ban, after also receiving a red card against the co-hosts last week.

“I’m a little bit frustrated that Themba [Zwane] got a three-match suspension, we will appeal it, our situation is clear hey, if we don’t win tomorrow, we play the last game against South Korea for nothing and that’s something we have to avoid you know,” Broos said, via SuperSport Football.

“First of all I think the red card is too severe, I saw the situation, I don’t think it was a red card, when I see what happened with Messi yesterday, I don’t agree certainly not, there was not even a VAR with Messi, with us there was, and the Mexican player blocked my player,” he said.

“Themba tried to go past him and put his arm over his shoulder, he didn’t do anything, a red card and a three match suspension, I’m sorry, it’s too severe. And again; I don’t want Messi to be red-carded, he needs to be on the pitch, we saw what a wonderful player he is. But yes, I’m a little frustrated by it because Themba got three match suspension.”

South Africa take on Czekhia in their second Group A clash which is viewed as fixture where they need to avoid defeat in order to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.