Eric Otogo-Castane
Referee Eric Otogo-Castane of Gabon has provided explanation to the
controversial penalty he awarded Algeria against Nigeria during last
game of the group B World Cup qualifier in Constantine.
Algeria forced Nigeria to a 1-1 draw, thanks to a late penalty
awarded to the Fennecs when Shehu Abdullahi was adjudged to have fouled
Algerian winger Yacine Brahaimi in the box, a decision that shocked most
football fans.
Replays showed the defender didn’t do much to warrant a penalty to
be awarded against him, but referee Otogo-Castane explained to some
Nigerian officials that his decision was right.
“Expectedly we asked questions after the game and the referee
explained to us that the decision was taken based on a newly introduced
law into the game, which allows for intention to be punished”, the NFF board member told Owngoalnigeria.com.
“He interpreted Shehu’s intention to impede the man, who stayed
on his feet instead of going down from the tackle. The fact that the
Algerian attacker Brahaimi didn’t go down is what made the decision to
look like the wrong call according to him.
“Let’s be frank, he did his best considering the atmosphere he
was under and especially after turning down numerous attempt by the
Algerians to con him into giving them a penalty.
“Maybe Brahaimi should have been sent off before the incident
which led to the goal, but I guess he didn’t want to lose grip of the
match, which a red card to the Algerian captain would have triggered.
It’s called game management and we understand his explanation.”
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