Ahead of FC Porto’s crucial UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg against Nottingham Forest, manager Francesco Farioli has reignited controversy by declaring that Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi should not have been penalised for a key incident in last weekend’s Primeira Liga match. The comment refers to a disputed first-half challenge between Zaidu and Famalicão’s Gustavo Sá during Porto’s league encounter on Saturday, April 4, which Porto officials argued should have resulted in a penalty and a second yellow card for the Nigerian left-back. Farioli addressed the contentious moment during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, directly contradicting the claims from the Porto camp.
The incident in question saw Zaidu, who was already on a yellow card after a 21st-minute booking for a foul on Rodrigo Pinheiro, involved in a challenge with Sá. Had referee Sérgio Guelho issued a second yellow card for the action, Zaidu would have been sent off, leaving Porto to play the entire second half with only ten men. This potential turning point has become a major talking point in Portuguese football circles since the match concluded.
Speaking to journalists, Nottingham Forest boss Farioli left no room for doubt about his stance on the refereeing decision. He stated, “Yes, I saw it and for me it’s not a penalty. Nor a yellow card…” This firm rebuttal sets the stage for a tense European encounter between the two sides, adding a layer of off-field intrigue to the upcoming sporting contest.
For Zaidu Sanusi, disciplinary discipline will be paramount during the first leg at the Estádio do Dragão. The Nigerian international has collected two yellow cards in his fourteen league appearances this season, where he has also contributed a goal and an assist. More pressingly, he has also received two cautions in the Europa League itself; another booking in tomorrow evening’s match would rule him out of the second leg in England due to suspension.
Adding a fascinating subplot to the fixture, Zaidu is expected to All eyes will now be on the referee’s decisions and whether Zaidu can navigate the match without a costly caution, keeping his hopes alive for a full role in the return leg at the City Ground.
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