England v Ivory Coast - Les "Éléphants" lose to captain's shenanigans

London Wembley 29/03/2022

Villarreal defender Serge Aurier has been mocked by Premier League supporters after he was sent off for dissent during England's clash against Ivory Coast on Tuesday to bring his career tally of red cards to six. The former Tottenham defender got booked for pulling the shirt of Jack Grealish and sent off for talking back to the referee, despite the pleas of the Manchester City forward in his favour, with England running out 3-0 winners.

Despite having never been sent off for his country before the trip to Wembley, Aurier had a reputation of being unreliable having been dismissed twice during his time in north London and prone to damaging mistakes.
One fan wrote: "Serge Aurier - The gift that keeps on giving."

Ivory Coast, who failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar and had nothing to show in the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, were given a mountain to climb when former Tottenham player Serge Aurier was sent off by Belgian referee Erik Lambrechts five minutes before half-time for a second bookable offence.

Two defeats in as many matches, albeit friendlies, are a stark reminder that the glory days of Ivory Coast football are things of the past.
Before  they are faced with a sad repeat of Côte d'Ivoire 84 (AFCON) where les "Elephants" couldn't get out of the group stage on home soil, football authorities must take the bulls by the horn in a complete overhaul of the national team, beginning with the coach who has been unable to reap the benefits of having Sebastien Haller (UEFA. CL Top goalscorer ), at the helm of his offence, including a laundry list of suspicious substitutions at odd junctures in matches, as well as numerous tactical blunders over the years. Max Gradel and Serges Aurier are past their best. Nicholas Pepe should start playing with confidence. With the midfield trio of Sery, Kessie and Sangare, they can rebuild a backline around Eric Bailly if he vows to keep his head on the football pitch, rather than some imaginary circus.

Afcon 2023 in Ivory Coast starts now!

Claude  Djaquis
Editor-In-Chief at Wembley