Story by Alexis Laura Daniels
Former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda has jumped in discussion concerning the volume of red cards at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. The tournament has seen referees sending players off with little challenge which has forced pundits to criticize their actions.
Tagged as “Tournament of Red Cards” has seen a record of 14 red cards front the group phase to the quarter finals.
In an interview conducted by GTV Sports Plus presenter, Alexis Laura Daniels, former Legon Cities goalkeeper Fatawu “Lion” Dauda agreed with his former teammate Michael Essien who disagreed with some of the red card decision at the tournament.
According to the shot stopper “(Michael) Essien was right, but one thing is (in) his opinion the VAR is there to assist the referees. When played back we see how things appear differently and they may be in your advantage or to your disadvantage”.
He also stated referees have a rule to use common sense to determine whether fouls should be given, or ignored. For instance, a match at the AFCON had about 13 yellows given deservedly, but it also slowed the game. And now players are scared to challenge because they know VAR is there to check things”.
The tournament runs into the semifinals with host nation Cameroon coming up against most successful team in the competition Egypt at the Olembe stadium in Yaoundé whiles the other game between Senegal and Burkina Faso would be played at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium in Yaoundé.