Refereeing decisions in Ligue 1 are sparking debate, with Luis Enrique and Roberto De Zerbi taking opposing stances. PSG and OM are not on the same page when it comes to criticism.
Throughout the week, officiating has been at the center of discussions in French football. When asked about it in a press conference on Friday, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique chose to remain neutral and steer clear of controversy.
“I never talk about referees, whether in France, Spain, or anywhere else. If I expressed my real thoughts, it would be complicated. I don’t want to get into this debate. I always tell my players not to protest. Being a referee is a tough job, and no one is ever completely satisfied. I’ve learned that staying silent is the best approach, and I have instilled that respect in my players,” he stated.
On the other hand, Olympique de Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi has decided to make one final statement on the subject. While strongly condemning the threats made against a referee, he maintains that OM has suffered from repeated officiating mistakes.
“This is the last time I will speak about referees”
“This is the last time I will speak about referees until my final day in Marseille. I heard that the referee received threats and had his tires slashed, and I truly regret that. But everything I said after the Auxerre match, I stand by 100%.”
While he does not question the integrity of officials, De Zerbi believes that key decisions have unfairly impacted his team. “The red card for Maupay against Angers, Cornelius’ dismissal, Harit’s against PSG, Balerdi’s in Lyon… These were serious mistakes,” he argued.
