South Africa midfielder Themba Zwane was sent off during their World Cup opener against Mexico on June 8 for striking defender Roberto Alvarado's face [1, 2]. The 36-year-old substitute had come on just over 20 minutes earlier before being dismissed by referee Wilton Sampaio [1, 2].
South Africa finished that match with nine men after midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was also shown a red card earlier in the game [1, 2]. Coach Hugo Broos accepted Sithole's sending off but called Zwane's red card "too soft" and considered it contentious. "It was the Mexican player who was blocking my player. But it's the position of the referee, and we have to accept it also," Broos said, adding that Sithole's foul was justified as the Mexican player was going alone to goal [1].
Following the automatic one-match suspension for a red card, FIFA's disciplinary committee extended Zwane's ban to three matches due to the nature of the foul play [1, 2]. South Africa is allowed to appeal the suspension according to FIFA [1, 2].
South Africa is scheduled to play their second Group A game against the Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 22 [1, 2]. Zwane's ban will prevent him from participating in that and the following two matches. The 36-year-old midfielder's absence will be a significant blow to South Africa’s campaign, as he will miss multiple group stage games following the suspension announcement on June 17 [1, 2].