Sunderland’s Bertrand Traoré is currently with Burkina Faso at the ongoing AFCON.
The winger started in his national team’s 2-1 win over Equatorial Guinea on Christmas Eve.
On Sunday, the Sunderland player retained his place in Burkina Faso’s starting XI against Algeria. Riyad Mahrez converted from the spot kick in the 23rd minute and it helped the Fennecs secure a 1-0 win.
After the match, Traoré expressed his ‘enormous anger’ towards the referee, Daniel Laryea. Foot Mercato have relayed his comments.
The 30-year-old slammed the Ghanian official for not awarding a penalty to Burkina Faso early in the game against Algeria. He indicated the outcome of the tie was influenced by Laryea’s decisions.
“It was a fairly close match. We know this Algeria team well. I think at the beginning of the match, they controlled the game. Then, we grew stronger, we created chances. But still, it’s a shame. We lost 1-0 to a penalty. And I think that on the first play of the match, it was definitely a penalty. The referee didn’t even check it. They told him: ‘There’s no penalty.’ And as if by magic, he stayed on the pitch and confirmed it,” he said.
Sunderland player accuses referee
The Sunderland summer signing was dissatisfied with Laryea’s decision making during the match against Algeria, and blamed the match official for Burkina Faso’s defeat. Traoré also accused the referee of pushing him.
“It’s a shame. It’s a shame for African football. I think the AFCON has beautiful stadiums, the fans, everything is great. The referees ruin the match. And at the end, the referee pushes me. It’s disappointing. We lose. On the pitch, I agree, they won. But still, we mustn’t spoil the competition,” Traoré explained.
Burkina Faso are currently second in the table, level on points with third placed Sudan. They are set to face Sudan on New Year’s Eve.
Traoré has one goal from 11 matches for Sunderland this season.
