Hugo Broos cites Messi amid Themba Zwane three-match ban

18.06.26 FT World Cup

Czechia

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South Africa

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Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has voiced his displeasure with FIFA's decision to slap Themba Zwane with a three-match suspension, while Argentina captain Lionel Messi was unpunished for a clear red card offence against Algeria.

The seasoned playmaker was sent off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico at Estadio Azteca last Thursday after challenge that resulted into a straight red card, but FIFA's disciplinary committee imposed an additional two-game ban.

Contrary, Messi walked away unscathed following a brutal challenge on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi in a match where he ultimately scored a hatrick as the defending champions cruised to a 3-0 win.

Broos says the red card brandished to Zwane was over the top, suggesting that there's double standards from the world's football governing body, as Messi's heavy contact with Mandi didn't make it to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

“I think the red card is too severe, I saw the situation again where Themba got a red card. I don't think it was a red card, when I see what happened yesterday with Messi, I don't agree, certainly not. I think there was not even VAR with Messi, so with us there was a VAR,” said the veteran tactician.

"And when you see the situation, the Mexican player blocked my player, he's not guarding the ball he's just holding Themba, and Themba tries to get over him and he put his arm over his shoulder, that's all he does, he didn't do that [hit him with an elbow]. And then you get a red card for that and a three-game suspension, I'm sorry but this is much severe.

"And again I don't want Messi to get a red card because that player has to be on the pitch, you saw yesterday what a wonderful player he is, but there's a difference there. So, I'm a little bit frustrated about that, certainly, because Themba got a three-match suspension.

Having lost their opening match, the Belgian mentor is under no illusion about the grave importance of securing a win in matchday two against Czech Republic, who suffered a defeat at the hands of South Korea in their first game.

“I think our situation is clear, if we don't win then you play the last game against South Korea for nothing and this is something we have to avoid. We know the mistakes we made in the first game and some people said the coach is too soft on the players, but I don't like to blame my players in front of a camera,” Broos added.

"So, sometimes you have to lie a little bit as a coach, and that's what I did. We know what went wrong in the game against Mexico and we will try to improve that tomorrow, and if we can improve, and certainly when we have the ball, then I think we have a chance to win the game.

Bafana tackle Czechia in a high-stakes clash for both teams with maximum points on the line at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in the United States of America, with kickoff scheduled for 18h00.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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