National Thunder Duo Issued Four-Match Suspension for Referee Verbal Assault at Afcon.

The National Thunder captain Carlos Akapo and teammate Josete Miranda have both been banned for four games for verbally attacking the referee after their narrow loss by their opponents at the 2025 Afcon.

The decision was made by a disciplinary panel after it reviewed the referee's report from the Group E encounter on the weekend, a result that confirmed the team's exit from the competition.

The official stated that the two players "continually uttered insulting and offensive comments" towards him and his assistants following the final whistle.

"These remarks were made in a atmosphere of extreme anger related to the defeat, but nevertheless represent a serious violation of the principles of sportsmanship and fair play as well as the disciplinary regulations," noted the referee.

A portion of the respective bans for the two players have been deferred for a term of one calendar year.

Tournament Impact

The duo will now miss their nation's last tournament fixture against their next opponents on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the nation's football federation has been penalized a amount of $10,000 after its technical staff and players engaged in "excessive and abusive protests" against decisions by the officials.

The official documentation detailed there was "a progressive deterioration in behaviour on the touchline" following an own goal by defender Saul Coco in the 74th minute.

Additional Governing Body Measures

Elsewhere, the tournament organizers have also penalized Stallions skipper Bertrand Traore the amount of $10,000 for "offensive remarks" uttered in a post-match media appearance after his team's 1-0 loss to their Group E rivals.