According to Philippe Clément, “there is no fairness” in arbitration decisions
Philippe Clément, coach of Monaco, after his team’s defeat against Troyes : “I am frustrated because it is important to explain things to the players. Or, after the last few weeks, I can’t explain anything to them. I ask for intensity, and we are sanctioned. They will be afraid to go to the duel, and that is a big problem. But I don’t want to think that the referees are not honest. I do not believe it. There are always mistakes. But there, it is very much against us. Can anyone think that there is a penalty from Maripan? He runs, slips on the player’s foot and falls on him without seeing him because of that: penalty and yellow card which is of enormous importance.
I don’t understand the 2nd warning either. I saw Sunday in Paris a nudge on Camara (Neymar, editor’s note). There, Maripan very slightly touches a player from Troyes (Tardieu, editor’s note) who even says he has added some. These two decisions are decisive for the course of the match. This is not the first time at the start of the championship. There is no fairness. And this is not the first time. We lose three points like that. When the circumstances are like that, you have to be three times stronger than the opponent. »
Paul Mitchell, ASM Sporting Director “I don’t often comment on matches on match nights. But there, I am annoyed by many things. This is becoming more and more consistent at the level of arbitration decisions. It seems that we are systematically on the wrong side with each refereeing decision: three red cards in the last four matches. Each time, these exclusions can lead to discussion. We receive a red card because Maripan spreads his arms a little and touches a player softly. While Neymar returns with the elbow on Camara at the Parc des Princes, without being sanctioned. There is no harmony or fairness.
We contacted the Federation by mail last week, we also said that we were ready to exchange, to discuss with the referees. I am sure that we can bring about a positive development. Because we get pissed off and annoyed when it happens like that. I am convinced that the spectators want to see matches at 11 against 11. But it is still early in the season and I hope that will be able to evaluate. Because too many exclusions harm the game, the spectators, the athletes, the coaches and the teams. Good teams want to play eleven against eleven.
I also can’t forget that our first half wasn’t good enough. We needed more rhythm, more quality. On a very good team, a very good group, a very good coach. And we must show more consistency than at present. Having only five points annoys me quite a bit, that goes without saying. I’m frustrated and pissed off with our performance. As I am with the lack of fairness in arbitration decisions. »