The Senegalese referee, Issa Sy, sparked controversy after a peculiar incident at the end of the CAF Champions League match between Esperance Tunis and Al Ahly. Esperance secured a narrow victory over Al Ahly with a score of 1-0 in the first leg of the quarter-finals held at the Hamadi Akhiri Stadium in Rades. After blowing the final whistle, Sy drew attention by reaching into his pocket and pulling out a red card, yet he did not show it to any players, creating a wave of debates on social media regarding the intentions behind this action.

This unusual gesture appeared to be a preventative measure by the referee to avoid any protests from players or officials of Al Ahly, particularly when the team's director, Walid Salah El Din, was seen approaching him immediately after the match concluded. Although some Al Ahly players attempted to discuss the game with the referee, including a notable request from Hussein El Shahat, they were interrupted by their director to prevent any incidents that could result in cards ahead of the return leg match.

The match itself not only highlighted the referee's alarming behavior but also the significance of officiating in high-stakes games like this quarter-final clash, where tensions often run high among players and staff. The incident has drawn attention to the critical role referees play in controlling the game dynamics and the potential for their actions to influence future matches. As debates continue online, this event may have lasting implications for both teams leading into the next leg of the tournament.