South Africa plans appeal for Zwane's World Cup red card ban

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has used Lionel Messi’s World Cup controversy to question the severity of Themba Zwane’s suspension. Zwane was sent off in South Africa’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico on June 11 after catching Roberto Alvarado in the face in the 84th minute.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos does not agree with a World Cup three-match ban Themba Zwane received for a red card against Mexico.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos wants to appeal midfielder Themba Zwane's three-match ban for a red card at the World Cup, citing Lionel Messi in his reasoning. Zwane was given one of the three red cards in the opening game of the World Cup on Thursday, when Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. Speaking Wednesday, Broos noted Messi avoided punishment for what appeared to be a foul in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday as evidence of what he believes was an unfair sanction by the FIFA disciplinary committee.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has said they will appeal a three-game ban on their player Themba Zwane for a red card offence in the World Cup opener against Mexico. Broos named the ban imposed earlier on Wednesday by the governing body FIFA "much, much, much too harsh.