The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Referees Committee has rescinded the 87th minute sending off of Cameroonian Christian Joel Eupopa Ntouba during a Castle Lager Premier Soccer league match pitting Dynamos and Highlanders at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
In a message posted on the ZIFA website, Referees Committee chairperson, Phillip Chiyangwa, announced the decision following what the association called “extensive deliberations with members of the referees’ committee and several important football stakeholders.”
The Dembare marksman was given his marching orders by referee Arnold Ncube for head butting Bosso defender Peter Muduhwa following a goal-mouth melee, just three minutes before the end of the game.
Some Highlanders and Dynamos fans called it the worst decision ever made by ZIFA. Several fans on various social media platforms called for the resignation of Chiyangwa, saying he is “killing” soccer in the country.
Chiyangwa was not available for comment.
The red card was rescinded a few hours after Dynamos drew 1-1 with Highlanders at Rufaro Stadium in a tense game Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match.