Outrage as Aubameyang and Marseille Criticize Refereeing After Defeat in Lisbon
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the forward for Olympique de Marseille (OM), expressed his discontent regarding officiating after a 2-1 defeat against Sporting Lisbon. This match, held on Wednesday, was part of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Match Overview
In this crucial encounter, Marseille took an early lead through a brilliant goal by Paixao. However, they faced severe challenges following two yellow cards issued to Emerson, leading to his expulsion just before halftime.
Key Events
- Score: Sporting Lisbon 2 – 1 Olympique de Marseille
- Date: Wednesday night, during Champions League group stage
- Key Player: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- Controversial Incident: Emerson’s first yellow card for a disputed handball
Aubameyang’s Reaction
Following the match, Aubameyang voiced his frustration on Canal +. He criticized the referee’s decisions, arguing that they significantly impacted the game’s flow. He stated, “The referees were not at the level tonight. We dominated the match and even scored first.”
Concerns Over Officiating
The Marseille squad expressed regret over the officiating, especially regarding Emerson’s yellow cards. Aubameyang labeled the first yellow card “scandalous,” indicating that it was an unjust decision. He added, “We are very upset, but now we must focus on the league.” This reaction highlights the emotional toll such officiating can have on players during critical matches.
Next Steps for Marseille
Following this loss, Marseille aims to regroup and shift their focus back to domestic competitions. They will need to address both their performance and the mental impact of this match as they continue their season.
