Sadio Mane wakes up with AFCON 2021 trophy beside him as stunning and adorable photo goes viral
FootballReferee in Big Trouble for Taking Selfie With Sadio Mane After Senegal AFCON Victory
- The career of Africa Cup of Nations referee Victor Gomes may be over after he took a selfie with Liverpool star Sadio Mane
- Ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett says it is 'unacceptable' for a referee to take a photo with a footballer
- Teranga Lions of Senegal defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to become the newly-crowned champions in Africa
The career of a match official may come to an end after he was pictured taking a selfie with Senegal hero Sadio Mane.
Mane scored the decisive penalty to help Senegal defeat Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the finals of the Africa Cup on Nations (AFCON) on Sunday.
The Teranga Lions followed their famous trumph with wild celebrations, however one action spotted during the celebration seems to have caused some controversy.
A referee was seen posing for selfies with Liverpool's Mane who converted the last kick in the shootout to hand victory for his country.
Another referee standing alongside him was also seen taking a picture with the 29-year-old, and ex-Premier League and FIFA official Keith Hackett believes this could lead to serious repercussions.
"This is an absolute no-no," he told Football Insider.
"The stars in football matches are the players. As a referee you have to be seen to be neutral, completely neutral. This action by this referee, an experienced referee, is unacceptable.
"For me, I would be saying you're not going to anywhere near that team in the future, albeit at the international level. I would be suggesting that his career might be over.
Sadio Mane Wakes up With AFCON 2021 Trophy Beside Him
Earlier, SportsBrief reported that Sadio Mane posted an adorable photo of himself waking up in his hotel room in Cameroon on Monday morning, February 7, with the African Cup of Nations trophy and his medal.
The Liverpool striker scored the decisive penalty kick on Sunday night, February 6, which gave the Senegalese team the AFCON 2021 title beating seven-time champions Egypt.
Egypt started their campaign at the just concluded 2021 African Cup of Nations on a losing note against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, but they bounced back winning their subsequent games before reaching the final.