Youcef Belaïli’s two-match ban could be reduced ahead of Tunis derby
- Hossam Ahmed
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
The Tunisian Football Federation's Appeals Committee is set to announce their final decision after reviewing the case of Espérance Sportive de Tunis winger Youcef Belaïli following an appeal filed by the Algerian international.
Belaïli received a two-match suspension along with a financial fine of five thousand Tunisian dinars ($1,673) after what was described as an "immoral action" during his goal celebration against JS Omrane. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
The 33-year-old forward scored Espérance’s first goal in the 70th minute in spectacular fashion. After his initial penalty was saved by the goalkeeper, Belaïli reacted quickly to fire the rebound into the net with an acrobatic overhead kick.
The outcome of the appeal will determine whether Belaïli is eligible to participate in the Tunis Derby between Espérance and Club Africain, scheduled for Sunday, April 20 at 3:00 PM GMT.
The player already missed one game for Espérance against EGS Gafsa, so any decrease in the ban means that Balaïli will play the Tunis Derby.
Belaïli has featured in 28 matches for Espérance this season across all competitions—eighteen in the Tunisian league and ten in the CAF Champions League.
He has scored eight goals and provided five assists in the league, while adding seven goals and eight assists in continental action.
Belaïli now has a total of 15 goals and 13 assists this season with Espérance Sportive de Tunis.