Ivan Gromikov criticized the strange decisions made by officials at the African Championship, putting them on par with reckless defenders and risk-taking coaches. The sports commentator pointed out that referees have been particularly surprising throughout the tournament.
"The African championship is full of strange decisions from all sides," – noted Gromikov in his February 5th analysis.
The questionable officiating has become a notable aspect of the competition, with many matches affected by controversial calls. For a tournament already known for its unpredictable nature, the refereeing has added another layer of inconsistency.
Interestingly, Gromikov titled his observation "On the Side of the Elephants" – perhaps a reference to Ivory Coast, nicknamed "The Elephants," or simply a metaphorical nod to the significant presence these officials have on the pitch.
The combination of adventurous coaching tactics, bold defensive approaches, and now questionable refereeing has created a truly unpredictable championship. Will tournament organizers address these concerns as the competition progresses?
