Samuel Moutoussamy says referee threatened yellow if he refused stretcher at Africa Cup of Nations | OneFootball

Samuel Moutoussamy said the referee told him to leave on a stretcher or be shown a yellow during DR Congo’s 1-0 win over Benin at the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.

According to L'Équipe, the Congolese midfielder suffered cramps and briefly left the pitch on a stretcher. He explained afterwards that the decision was not his.

He said he only had a calf cramp, planned to take a quick drink and carry on, and felt there was no need for a stretcher. The referee, he said, insisted he had to get on it or be booked.

Already on a booking from the 20th minute, he complied. He added he probably did not know that small detail in the law and denied trying to waste time.

Under the IFAB Laws of the Game, Law 5.3 says a player is cautioned for unsporting behaviour if he does not leave for treatment after medics are allowed on, whether walking or on a stretcher.

As such, Moutoussamy could, in theory, have left without a stretcher without risking a second yellow. He returned to the pitch a few minutes later.

Source: L'Équipe