AS Monaco call for constructive talks following Ligue 1 refereeing controversy | OneFootball

AS Monaco have sent a letter to the French Football Federation (FFF) in order to call for constructive talks about refereeing in the French game. It comes following another weekend of controversy in Ligue 1, dominated by refereeing decisions made in Monaco’s loss to RC Lens (1-4) and Olympique Lyonnais’ loss to Paris Saint-Germain (2-3). 

There were many contentious incidents in the five-goal thriller between Lyon and PSG, including a late red card for Nicolas Tagliafico. Seconds later, PSG netted an injury-time winner. OL were left fuming post-match, with assistant Jorge Maciel stating that PSG had “16 players on the pitch” a reference to what he perceived to be incorrect decisions benefitting the reigning champions. OL’s captain Corentin Tolisso then took to social media on Monday to call for talks.

Monaco call for roundtable with Ligue 1 referees

The previous night, Folarin Balogun was sent off for a tackle on Mamadou Sangaré. It looked harsh and Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro spoke in the mixed-zone post-match to highlight what he deemed to be an error. “It’s unacceptable that he (the referee) gives a red card in this situation […] the rules state that this shouldn’t be a red card and it had a big impact on the game,” he said. 

The letter sent to the FFF by Monaco calls for “more exchanges” between the different actors in the game. The proposed round-table would see directors, managers, and captains come together for talks with Ligue 1 referees. 

Monaco not looking to create a movement

“There will always be errors, but there should be a bit more clarity, notably regarding the instructions given to referees,” added Scuro in an interview with L’Équipe. Scuro added that it wasn’t about advising the FFF, nor about creating a movement. 

“It would be good if we could just all ask the question together: how can we help refereeing improve? Criticising it is certainly not the best way to get there,” concluded Scuro.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle