This is definitely not their week. Already angry with the men in black on Tuesday, during the Coupe de France match against Lille, after a penalty on Jonathan Rowe was not signaled, the Marseillais were once again tensed by the referee on Sunday evening, after the draw against Strasbourg at the Vélodrome (1-1). Culmination of their protest, a penalty on Rowe, again, for a supposed foul by Guéla Doué.
In the 83rd minute of play, launched from deep, the Canadian, at full speed, collapsed after contact with the former Rennais, who pushed him lightly with his arm. Nothing, reports referee Bastien Dechepy, no more helped than that by VAR. “It’s a scandal,” criticized Marseille president Pablo Longoria on DAZN. What more do you need? How far will we get with Olympique de Marseille? Why doesn't VAR intervene? An action during which he does not play the ball, he puts his hand behind his back, an obvious action, it is a penalty for life. »
“It’s starting to be a lot”
The Marseille leader was not the only one to pay the referee, following this refused penalty. Argentinian captain Leonardo Balerdi, not exempt from criticism of the Strasbourg goal scored by Emanuel Emegha, also expressed his criticism: “It's starting to do a lot. With the referees, we try to stay calm but if he doesn't whistle. There was clearly a penalty. The reds and the penalties, it's only against us, it's incredible. »
-Is the cup full? Not quite. Questioned in the mixed zone, in comments reported by RMC Sports, after the meeting, Luis Henrique also deplored this decision by Bastien Dechepy: “I don't like talking about refereeing, but it's a shame, against us, it's always like that. That’s how it is, we have to play against him too. »
One last one for the road, with Pierre-Emile Hojberg, the Danish midfielder: “If there wasn't VAR, I understand. Now, money has been invested in VAR. Why would Rowe fall when he is alone in front of goal? We ask ourselves questions in the locker room. » Bastien Dechepy's ears must be ringing this morning.
