Player leniency exposes a big discipline crisis

Saint-Éloi Lupopo defender Dieumerci Mukoko Amale should count himself extremely fortunate to have escaped with nothing more than a two-match suspension for his disgraceful behaviour in last month's Caf Champions League clash against Orlando Pirates.

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For a player to behave in such a thuggish manner on the field of play is wholly unacceptable, and Caf's disciplinary response falls well short of what is required to protect the integrity of the sport.

This was a prime opportunity for Caf to clamp down on violent conduct and set a clear deterrent for players who think they can act outside the laws of football. Instead, the governing body opted for a soft-touch approach, one that sends entirely the wrong message across the continent.

Amale's actions on the day were not mere moments of over-exuberance or late challenges in the heat of the moment, but they were acts of violence. He headbutted Pirates' Masindi Nemtajela and then, astonishingly, deliberately stamped on Oswin Appollis during the same match.