“A red line has been crossed.” – Ligue 1 referees to file a complaint for defamation against Marseille president Pablo Longoria | OneFootball

Ligue 1 referees have no intention to let Pablo Longoria’s outburst slide. Speaking to Ligue 1 main broadcaster DAZN, Jérôme Brisard has announced that his fellow colleagues will file a complaint for defamation against the Marseille president. Longoria flew into rage last night on the back of Les Phocéens‘ 3-0 away loss to Auxerre. The Spaniard was particularly critical of the game’s referee, Jérémy Stinat. The latter has previous with Marseille after being involved in Mehdi Benatia’s three-month suspension.

Longoria didn’t hesitate to speak of “corruption” to describe the level of refereeing in Ligue 1. “Everything has been organized since the third yellow given to Balerdi (suspended this Saturday against Auxerre). It’s planned, it’s rigged”, Longoria notably said. The French FA president – Philippe Diallo – and the French referees union have both condemned Longoria’s outburst in strong terms.

Before overseeing the Ligue 1 game between Nantes and Lens, Brisard has announced that Ligue 1 referees will now take the matter to court as early as Monday. “The word corruption has been used. A red line has been crossed, it is unacceptable. All Ligue 1 central referees will file a complaint for defamation. It should not be forgotten that professional or amateur referees only aspire to work in a safe environment.“

GFFN | Bastien Cheval