And if the French referees were good?
No less than six French referees will be present in Qatar. France will be the best-represented nation in the world, all functions combined (VAR + field referees). An information passed in overview. Proof that French arbitration is not that bad.
In 2014 in Brazil, not a single French referee was summoned to officiate. The Qatari deadline is therefore synonymous with good news, which testifies to the recognition of French referees in the world. Clément Turpin in particular, often rewarded in the league, is adored in Europe, and often officiates in major European matches.
Champions League final, Europa League final, the French experienced the highest level of world football. “It’s a real pride for tricolor refereeing and the result of 15 years of work and investment. It’s a nice message for the 22,982 French referees and the 980 in my League (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) where I work every day to settle that refereeing is cool! », Clément Turpin prospered at the time of his appointment.
However, French arbitration has a bad reputation. It has become commonplace to see some players from abroad complaining about French refereeing.
“Wake up, we’re not playing amateurs. In 15 years I have never seen such a referee. The anger of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, after a defeat against Bordeaux, is symbolic. This kind of remark seems recurrent in France, more than elsewhere in Europe.
Statistics that serve
In 80 Ligue 1 matches, no fewer than 32 red cards have been handed out, ie one red card every 140 minutes. The French championship is largely the European cardboard champion, ahead of La Liga (18 reds in 60 games), Serie A (15 reds in 70 games), and the Bundesliga (11 reds in 70 games). It is the Premier League, well known for its commitment, which closes the classification (4 reds in 80 games).
Statistics that foment a reputation harmful to France: “When I arrived here, I was told a lot about the referees and not in a positive way. In truth overall, I have seen good refereeing in this championship,” said Igor Tudor this week. The new Marseille tactician made up his own mind about the French officials, and admitted that the majority of them “are pretty good”.
Question of charisma?
Obviously, the nervous gesture of Tony Chapron during a match Paris – Nantes, also won to discredit the image of French refereeing in Europe. At the time, big names like Iker Casillas relayed the video asking for sanctions. It is not always the performance that is called into question, but sometimes the lack of communication, the human side, or even the charisma.
In France, it’s not just players and coaches who spend their time complaining. We like to dissect, analyze and condemn the slightest refereeing fault. Kind of like shooting yourself in the foot.
Jeremy Baker