Burkina Faso lodges appeal for Jonathan Pitroipa

08/02/2013 1:53:00 AM

Officials from the Burkinabe football federation vow they will fight to see the Rennes midfielder take part in the 2013 Afcon final despite his expulsion from the semi-finals

Burkina Faso football federation says it has lodged an appeal to Caf against the expulsion of midfielder Jonathan Pitroipa during Wednesday’s semi-final clash against Ghana in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

The Stallions’ director Gualbert Kabore told AFP their playmaker was unjustly sent off by the referee Slim Jedidi and a complaint was filed to the continent’s football governing body after the match, won by Burkina Faso 3-2 in a penalty shootout.

The 26-year-old former Hamburger SV player was shown a second yellow card for simulation by the Tunisian referee after he crashed into the Ghanaian box in a situation many pundits argue should have been a penalty for Burkina Faso.

“We lodged an appeal immediately after the match,” Kabore said. “Our FA’s secretary general sent a fax to Caf within two hours after the game according to the regulations. The referee’s decision was outrageous. We are confident of a favourable outcome and Pitroipa would be able to play the final,” he said.

“We will fight and do everything within the rules and regulations to bring justice.”

Burkina Faso are reaching an Afcon final for the first time and will on Sunday face 1994 winners Nigeria in Johannesburg.