Espérance star Belaïli suspended, set to miss crucial Tunis Derby

Photo Credit: Espérance Sportive de Tunis 

Youcef Belaïli has been suspended for two games by the Tunisian Professional Football League. The Algerian star has been handed the suspension for an unethical goal celebration and is set to miss two of Espérance de Tunis’s Ligue 1 outings.

Belaïli celebrated his goal against JS Omrane in a 2-2 draw in what appeared to be a provocative manner in front of the JSO supporters. A disciplinary hearing was called by the league to hear from Belaïli regarding his celebration last week following Espérance’s 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League first leg.

The league decided to hand a two-game suspension this Friday, with Belaïli set to miss the crucial Tunis derby against bitter rivals Club Africain. The league also fined the Algerian striker 5,000 Tunisian dinars ($1,664 USD).

Ligue 1 leaders Espérance will tackle EGS Gafsa without their star striker. Belaïli missing the Tunis derby will be a massive blow for Espérance and head coach Maher Kanzari, who are engaged in a tight title race with US Monastir as well as Club Africain with all three teams tied on 53 points.

The 33-year-old striker is well known for his technical ability but at times he is a very controversial player. Belaïli was banned for four years by CAF for doping; however, the penalty was reduced to two years. He also had fallouts with French Ligue 1 side Brest in 2022.

Belaïli has bagged eight league goals this season and has sixteen goals in all competitions. The derby match against Club Africain is set for April 19.