Ghana legend Michael Essien shocked by refereeing at AFCON 2021

• Former Ghana international Michael Essien is unhappy with officiating at the Africa Cup of Nations
• The ex-Chelsea star reacted to Jimmy Abdou's red card in Comoros' defeat to Cameroon on Monday night
• Five red cards have been shown since the start of the round of 16 at the tournament in Cameroon

Michael Essien, a former Chelsea and Ghana star, has been left shocked by officiating at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The legendary footballer was left stunned by the red card given to Comoros captain Jimmy Abdou in their last 16 clash against hosts Cameroon.

Essien took to Twitter to express his disappointment at the referee, asking if football has become that soft.

"Some of these red card decisions in #AFCON are shocking. Is football getting soft???," wrote the FC Nordsjaelland assistant coach.

Cameroon went on to defeat the COVID-19 ravaged Comoros side, who had a defender keep the post as goalkeeper.

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Karl Toko Ekambi blasted in the opener after 29 minutes to put the Indominable Lions into the lead.

Vincent Abubakar netted his sixth goal of the tournament in the 70th minute to double Cameroon's lead, before Youssouf M'Changama pulled one back for Comoros.

Michael Essien celebrated by Chelsea on 39th birthday

Earlier, SportsBrief.com reported that, former Black Stars midfielder, Michael Essien has been receiving well wishes from former clubs and fans across the globe as he turned 39 on Friday, December 3, 2021.

The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan player has been celebrated by the clubs he played for as well lovers of football.

In messages and videos posted on Social Media, several football followers have sent in goodwill messages with other sharing some of his great goals.

Chelsea celebrate anniversary of Essien's signing

On Friday, August 19, 2005 former Black Star midfielder Michael Essien made a move that changed his life and that of many Ghanaians too.

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The bison, as he is affectionately cheered by many of his fans, joined English Premier League side Chelsea from Ligue 1 side Lyon.

Chelsea paid £24.4 million for the midfielder which was a record transfer for fee paid by the club and for an African player eclipsing the £24 million paid a year earlier for Ivorian Didier Drogba.