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Why South Africa got a 2nd red card to go down to 9 men after Themba Zwane VAR review
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- Why South Africa got a 2nd red card to go down to 9 men after Themba Zwane VAR review
Why South Africa got a 2nd red card to go down to 9 men after Themba Zwane VAR review originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
It took a trip to VAR to find the action that sent Themba Zwane off the pitch.
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But after review, South Africa 's veteran midfielder received a red card late in the second half on Thursday against Mexico .
He was the second South African player sent off.
For the final five-plus minutes, South Africa was reduced to nine men.
Mexico was already up 2-0, and the day got worse for South Africa.
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Why did Themba Zwane get a red card to take South Africa down to 9 men?
Zwane, away from the ball, got caught up in a collision with a Mexican player.
He appeared to throw an arm in the head area, then did it a second time.
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Replays appeared to show a closed fist.
The reasoning for the red card in this case would be violent conduct.
Fox broadcaster Landon Donovan thought it was probably fair, essentially emphasizing that Zwane's action forced the referee to make a decision.
The decision went in favor of the hosts, who had a great day to start the World Cup.
