Zwane was suspended for three matches after receiving a red card in South Africa's opening match against Mexico. South Africa coach Hugo Broos immediately announced he would appeal, referencing a controversial incident involving Lionel Messi in his statement.

The Mexico vs. South Africa match saw a total of three red cards issued. South Africa's second red card remains widely disputed. Late in the match, Zwane was sent off following a VAR review for alleged "serious foul play," and FIFA's Disciplinary Committee subsequently imposed an additional three-match suspension.

South Africa coach Broos said: "This punishment is simply too harsh. Especially when I saw what happened with Messi yesterday. I completely disagree with this decision, and it's deeply frustrating.

"This red card was an overreaction. Zwane simply placed his hand on an opponent's shoulder, nothing more."

Ahead of South Africa's crucial group-stage match against Czech Republic on Thursday, the 74-year-old coach formally announced he would file an appeal.

German publication Kicker reached a similar conclusion, arguing the referee's interpretation of the rules was too strict in issuing Zwane's red card. Similarly, the red card given to Mexican player César Montes in stoppage time was excessive. In contrast, the first red card of the match was justified.

Messi Escapes Punishment

In another match, Lionel Messi delivered a brilliant performance while also sparking controversy. While his team led Algeria 1-0, Messi struck the calf of opposing captain Riyad Mahrez from behind but received only a verbal warning from the referee—not even a yellow card. This allowed Messi to remain on the pitch and subsequently score two more goals, completing a brace and matching Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goal record.

The Decisive Match Against Czech Republic

Following their opening defeat, the match against Czech Republic becomes a must-win for South Africa. Broos said: "The situation is clear. If we don't win, the final match against Korea will be meaningless. Some people in South Africa criticize me for being too soft. But I don't want to publicly attack my players. Sometimes you have to tell lies in front of the camera to protect them.

"When I led the team through qualifying, people even wanted to erect a monument to me. I told them to make it wooden, because wood burns easily. Now they're burning it."

Переведено ИИ.