South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has described the three-match suspension handed to Themba Zwane as disproportionately harsh, drawing a pointed comparison to a recent incident involving Argentina's Lionel Messi.

Zwane, 36, was dismissed via a VAR review during Bafana Bafana's opening World Cup group game against Mexico after he appeared to strike an opponent in the face in an off-the-ball incident. FIFA subsequently confirmed a three-match ban, a punishment Broos announced his team will contest.

Broos frustrated by the ruling

Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of South Africa's second Group A fixture against Czechia, the Belgian coach did not hide his displeasure.