DR Congo women’s star Ruth Kipoyi has caused controversy on social media after she delivered a stunning left hook to drop her Moroccan opponent during a recent friendly
DR Congo women’s star Ruth Kipoyi sucker punched an opponent during a game – shocking fans across the globe.
Kipoyi, 26, was turning out for her national side in a friendly against fellow African nation Morocco when tensions reached boiling point. Shortly after half-time, with her team 2-1 down, Kipoyi fouled an opponent – which sparked a mini brawl.
A Moroccan defender had to be held back as she exchanged verbals with Kipoyi, but when another Moroccan player, Yasmine Mrabet, entered the disagreement, the Galatasaray women’s star delivered a swift left hook – sending Mrabet to the ground.
“This should be a lifelong ban from football? How can this happen on a football pitch,” one fan questioned. While a second said: “That hook came out of nowhere!”
“Why does she look shocked after the punch as if she wasn’t the one who did it,” a third joked. And another added: “What is she being so aggressive for?”
After the full-time whistle, midfielder Mrabet, who was struck by Kipoyi, released a statement: “This violent behaviour should not be accepted. During competition, disagreements can occur, 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.”
Morocco went on to win the match 3-2, having been leading 2-1 at the time of the red card.
DAILY STAR
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