Kaka’s Red Card Controversy

JOHANNESBURG (GaeaTimes.com)- The Ivory Coast vs Brazil match on Sunday turned out to be more than just a happy win for the Brazilian fans as star midfielder Kaka was sent off in the final minutes. The controversial red card ensured that Kaka will miss out on the last group match against Portugal. A furious Kaka stormed off the field and later said that the images are there to prove the truth. Brazil’s coach Dunga called the referee’s decision ‘totally unjustified’.

The first red card for Kaka came after a push to Ivory Coast player Yaya Toure in the 85th minute. Within the next three minutes another card followed and Kaka had to leave the field. This time it was for a push to Abdelkader Keita who exaggerated the push and fell to the ground clutching his face in spite of himself running into Kaka who was looking the other way. Coach Dunga said that Kaka was given the yellow card even though he was the player fouled against. He also added that the player who committed the fouled actually got away without a card and so he must congratulate him for that. The Ivory Coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson however supported the referees call. He said that the Brazilian players shouldn’t really complain as there was a hint of handball in the second goal by Luis Fabiano.

The 3-1 win against Ivory Coast now ensures a place in the second round from Brazil. Kaka’s red card however has subdued the celebrations. For the losing side the only consolation was their captain Didier Drogba scoring a consolation in the later half of the game.