Touchline Ban Looms? CAF Probes Jurcic Comments After Pyramids' VAR Drama
Pyramids FC head coach Krunoslav Jurcic's facing possible CAF disciplinary action after furiously criticizing officiating during his team’s goalless draw against Orlando Pirates in 1st leg of the Champions League semi final on Saturday 19 Apr, in Johannesburg.
Referee Rage & PostMatch Outburst
Jurcic repeatedly protested decisions during and after the match including disallowed first half goal due tomarginal offside and second ruled out via VAR for handball by Sodiq Awujoola.
After the final whistle, the Croatian coach let loose in post match interview:
“I love Africa but not today. For me, we won 2 - 0”
His remarks, interpreted as undermining CAF officiating could lead to touchline ban in the crucial 2nd leg on 25 Apr in Cairo.
Jurcic Defends Players, Slams VAR Decisions
Despite his frustration, Jurcic praised his players' effort:
“I’m proud of the team. They were warriors tonight. We deserved to win. It’s not easy to score 2 goal away from home and see both cancelled. We’ll fight in Cairo”
He also warned against underestimating the South African side:
“Orlando Pirates are great team. They beat Al Ahly away in the group stage and won in Algeria in the quarter finals. But I trust my players to get the job done at home”
CAF May Step In
Jurcic’s controversial comments about african football and repeated protests could trigger CAF’s disciplinary committee. If suspended, he would be barred from the touchline in what's arguably the biggest match in Pyramids’ history.
Not the First Time
This isn’t the first time Jurcic has clashed with referees. Just last week he slammed officiating after 1 - 1 draw with Al Ahly in the egyptian Premier League’s title phase. His assistant, Mohamed Nagy Gedo also criticized referees in both domestic and continental matches.
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