By Daniel Ekonde, Special to KweséESPN
The Confederation of African Football have suspended Al-Ahly striker Walid Azaro for unsporting behaviour following his actions in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against Esperance, meaning he will miss Friday’s second leg in Rades.
The Morocco international was at the centre of a tempestuous affair which Ahly won 3-1 in Alexandria on Friday, after being awarded two penalties in dubious circumstances.
The Egyptian Premier League’s top scorer from last season was, at one point, caught on camera tearing his own shirt before insinuating that it was a result of an opponent’s violence.
The incident ultimately lead to Ahly’s second penalty, awarded by Algerian referee Mehdi Abid Charef.
CAF confirmed in a statement on Monday that, after reviewing footage of the first leg, Azaro has been suspended due to a violation of article 12 of the Disciplinary Code.
He has duly been suspended for two matches, beginning with this Friday’s second leg in Tunisia.
Al Ahly were also fined $20,000 and their coach Patrice Carteron has also been invited to appear before the CAF’s Disciplinary Board for a hearing in relation to allegations of unsporting behaviour.
The pair of penalties – both converted by Walid Soliman – and Amr Elsolia’s second-half goal have given Ahly a clear advantage in the final, although Youcef Belaili’s consolation goal – also from the spot – represents a lifeline for Esperance.
Ahly are going in search of their record-extending ninth CAF CL crown.