Egyptian referee Ghead Grisha who awarded a dubious penalty for Zambia against Nigeria has been sent packing.
Grisha dominated the headlines when he awarded a highly controversial penalty to Zambia against the Super Eagles late in a Group C match on Friday to allow champions Zambia to draw level at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Custodian Kennedy Mweene coolly converted from 12 yards to level matters for the reigning champions giving them hope of reaching the last eight.
A top official of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed on Sunday that the 36-year old Grisha, who became an international referee in 2008, will take no further part in the on-going championship in South Africa.
“He has been sent home. He will have no further action at this Nations Cup. His decisions did not tally with best practices of the refereeing profession and we would not allow anyone to start re-writing the rules of the game here,” said the official.
He became the first victim amongst referees to face suspension.