By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Fans have praised referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa for his officiating during Senegal’s semi-final win over Burkina Faso at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Ethiopian overturned two penalty decisions to Senegal after VAR reviews in a dramatic first half. Firstly, Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi collided with Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate in the box. But the shotstopper appeared to get to the ball with a punch and Tessema ruled no penalty after reviewing the collision on the pitchside monitor.
Ten seconds before the break, Edmond Tapsoba was booked for handball and the referee pointed to the spot. However, after another review Tessema overturned the booking and the penalty decision.
Footballing fans including TheSpy Uganda’s CEO Andrew Irumba Katusabe, a staunch supporter of troubled Premier League’s Manchester United took to Facebook and Twitter to hail Bamlak’s officiating, praising his decision to overturn the penalty calls.
Irumba via his Facebook said,” If there were awards for the best referee in @AFCON, this referee between @Senegal vs BF is the best, and the ref who officiated @Cameroon previously was the worst. To me. This one is extremely fair to everyone.”
“It seems tonight in AFCON we have ourselves a honest referee. Very commendable,’ said one fan.
Supporters believed that the Premier League’s officials could learn from Tessema, claiming the VAR referees were ‘miles ahead’.
