Motherwell defender Cedric Kipre gets Ivory Coast international call-up

An eventful week for Motherwell defender Cedric Kipre has continued with him receiving an international call-up by Ivory Coast.
Referee Craig Thomson shows Cedric Kipre a straight red card after his altercation with Celtic's Scott Brown (Pic by Ian McFadyen)Referee Craig Thomson shows Cedric Kipre a straight red card after his altercation with Celtic's Scott Brown (Pic by Ian McFadyen)
Referee Craig Thomson shows Cedric Kipre a straight red card after his altercation with Celtic's Scott Brown (Pic by Ian McFadyen)

The 21-year-old Paris-born centre back qualifies to play for the African country through his parents and will be available for selection for their forthcoming matches against Togo and Moldova.

Ex-Leicester City youth player Kipre, a standout in 40 matches for the Steelmen this season, told the Motherwell FC website: “Obviously I am very proud.

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“I heard a few months ago of the possibility. Then a few days ago, I met Kolo Toure and he told me he would call me soon, and then he called me yesterday.

“I feel I’ve made my parents proud. My mum called me last night and was really, really happy. I will play for Ivory Coast for my parents because both of them are from there, so obviously they are very proud.

“Last year I wasn’t playing professional football. This year, I am playing every game, so it is a bit of a new world for me.”

The SFA hearing of Motherwell's appeal against Kipre's straight red card for alleged violent conduct against Celtic on Sunday will be heard today (Thursday).

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Kipre added: "When I got the red card I thought ‘I’ve let everyone down. Maybe they are going to lose now because 10 v 11 is harder.

“But they worked really hard and played really well, so I can only be proud of them. All of them.

“I tried to win the ball. I then fell down and I wanted to stand up, but he pushed me away. My first reaction to try and push him as well but with my foot.”

Pending the outcome of the appeal, Kipré could potentially miss upcoming Ladbrokes Premiership fixtures with Rangers and Aberdeen, as the Steelmen push to land a top six spot.

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“I don’t think I did a bad thing,” Kipre said. “I just wanted to stand up and keep playing. But it happens.

“Next time I won’t react. That’s what people are telling me to do. I won’t react next time.

“I would miss two games. Two very important games. So hopefully we win it and I can be back for the games and help the team.”