Arsenal youngster Omar Rekik was involved in plenty of controversy during Tunisia's 1-0 loss to Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday afternoon.
Sarpsborg forward Ibrahima Kone broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, converting a penalty after Ellyes Skhiri was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.
Despite Kone's goal being the only of the game, there was still plenty of action yet to come and Tunisia were awarded a penalty of their own with just over 15 minutes to play, before former Sunderland midfielder Wahbi Khazri saw his spot-kick saved by Ibrahim Mounkoro.
The referee then appeared to blow for full-time in the 86th minute, leaving the Tunisian coaching staff bemused before play was signalled to continue seconds later.
Just over a minute later Mali went down to ten men in unusual circumstances, with Reims star El Bilal Toure receiving a straight red card for a tackle that barely warranted any caution at all.
Eventually, the referee was told by VAR to go to the pitchside monitor to review his decision but he refused to overturn it, giving Tunisia just under two minutes plus injury time to search for an equaliser.
However, the official then blew his whistle before the clock had even struck 90 minutes, leaving the north African side incensed as coach Mondher Kebaier and his assistants rushed onto the field to confront the referee.
Tournament organisers then ordered the game to be played to a conclusion but Tunisia players, including substitute and Arsenal youngster Rekik, did not return to the pitch and Mali secured all three points.
