A scrap on the pitch took a nasty turn when a player swung at an opponent, clipping her on the jaw. Soccer fans argued that the Congolese player went too far and called for a "lifetime ban" on the player. DR Congo forward Ruth Kipoyi faces potential discipline after striking 24-year-old Spanish midfielder Yasmin Mrabet, who plays for team Morocco.
Kipoyi was contesting a foul called on her in the second half of the match shortly after halftime — as DR Congo faced a 2-1 deficit against Morocco — when players from the opposing team stepped in to bark back at Kipoyi.
A small scuffle broke out and Mrabet stepped in to ease tensions among her Moroccan teammates.
Already riled up, Ruth Kipoyi exploded at the sight of Mrabet as the Spaniard tried to ease tensions and swung a left hook at her opponent. Mrabet went crashing down and Kipoyi was removed from the match. Now the Congolese player faces criticism from fans of the sport, with some calling for a ‘lifetime ban’ on the player over the violent move.
South Africa's defender Karabo Dhlamini fights for the ball with Democratic Republic of Congo'sRuth Kipoyi (17) during the 2024 Olympic Qualifier second leg match between South Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on October 30, 2023. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)
"This should be a lifelong ban from football? How can this happen on a football pitch," one fan said, reacting to the video on social media.
No official discipline has been handed down to Kipoyi as of current reporting.
Yasmin Mrabet posted an update on her social media, condemning the DR Congo player's actions, reminding the 26-year-old that certain lines shouldn't be crossed.
Considering the modern discourse on athlete privilege, the scene also begs a question as to whether the outrage would've been stronger if the roles between the Spaniard and Congolese player were swapped.
Rosella Ayane and Yasmin Mrabet of Morocco pose during the official FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 portrait session at on July 17, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Mrabet posted on her Instagram:
"This violent behavior should not be accepted. During the competition, disagreements can occur, and tensions are bound to build, but there are lines which must never be crossed…
"This incident should not overshadow the exponential growth of our football in the last couple of years. African teams are showing up on the world stage and for a reason.
"The appropriate procedures are underway to report the past events and from now on I’m only looking forward."
(Should a punch thrown during a sporting match result in a lifetime ban? Would the conversation be different if the players' races were swapped? Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com)
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Send a message: alejandro.avila@outkick.com
Alejandro Avila lives in Southern California and previously covered news for the LA Football Network. Jeopardy expert and grumpy sports fan. Known for having watched every movie and constant craving for dessert. @alejandroaveela (on X)
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