Heavy ban for AFCON journos

Johannesburg - The Confederation of African Football have meted out a heavy punishment to two Tunisian photographers for breaching regulations of their AFCON accreditations.

Mehrez Toujan and Edine Manoubi Hassen illegally entered the field of play at Stade d'Angondje during Tunisia's 2-1 win over Morocco on Monday and were subsequently handed a three year ban on Friday.

The duo are said to have edged on to the field in an attempt to get a close-up of the writing on the under shirts of two Tunisia players as they celebrated their side's second goal.

As a result of the ruling, CAF will not allow the pair to cover any events under their jurisdiction for a period of three years.

The judgement has, however, been called into question by a number of fellow journalists, who have since signed a petition in protest of the heavy ruling.

Chdiri Tarek, a reporter for Tunis-based Arabic sports daily, Assarih, who is the coordinator of the petition, told SuperSport: "We accept that the two photographers committed the fault. They went closer into the field to get a close up of messages written on the under shirts of two Tunisian players who were celebrating the team's second goal against Morocco.

"We are protesting because the sanction is too severe. It is a first-time offence and CAF ought to review their ruling."