The player "was sent off the field twice", even the assistant referee was surprised

In the Round of 16 match of AFCON 2023, which concluded on the morning of January 31, Morocco's player, Amrabat, was surprisingly shown the red card twice by the main referee, much to the astonishment of the fans and even the assistant referee.

African player recreates 'Hand of God' moment at AFCON 2023

In the Round of 16 clash between Morocco and South Africa in AFCON 2023, Amrabat received his first yellow card in the 64th minute with Morocco trailing 1-0. Then, in the 90+4th minute, Amrabat committed another foul while obstructing a player attempting to enter the penalty area. The main referee subsequently issued a second yellow card, leading to the expulsion of the Manchester United player from the field.

Amrabat received second yellow card

However, the drama did not end there. Referee Mahmood Ali Mahmood Ismail unexpectedly ran out onto the field and directly consulted VAR. After careful examination, he called Amrabat back onto the pitch. At this moment, Amrabat might have thought that his yellow card would be rescinded, and he would be allowed to resume playing. However, the "man in black" decided to cancel the yellow card and simultaneously brandish a direct red card to Amrabat, sending him off the field.

The decision by Mahmood Ali Mahmood Ismail left many people bewildered, including the assistant referee at that moment, judging by his expression.

The assistant referee's surprised expression

Subsequently, there was much discussion about Mahmood Ali Mahmood Ismail's decision. One fan commented: "Amrabat was sent off for the second yellow, then he was asked to come back to check VAR and received a straight red... like a movie theater." Meanwhile, another person remarked: "Amrabat was genuinely sent off the field twice."

Witnessing the moment when Amrabat received a straight red card, another supporter commented: "Even the second referee felt shocked." "Unbelievable, they called Amrabat back to bid him farewell in a different way."

Returning to the mentioned match, after Amrabat was sent off, South Africa was awarded a free-kick, and from this situation, Teboho Mokoena executed a precise curling shot, scoring the decisive goal to secure a 2-0 victory for the home team and sending Morocco home.

Advancing to the quarter-finals, South Africa will face Cape Verde in the upcoming match scheduled for 3:00 AM on February 4.