The LFP disciplinary committee delivered its verdict on Wednesday evening concerning Mehdi Benatia. The sports advisor of Olympique de Marseille was sanctioned with three matches of firm suspension, as well as three others suspended, due to his comments on the refereeing during the OL-OM match (2-3) on September 22. in Ligue 1.
A decision which does not suit OM, whose leaders quickly expressed their incomprehension.
“Olympique de Marseille takes note of the sanction imposed by the LFP disciplinary committee on its sports advisor, Medhi Benatia. The club strongly disagrees with this decision and finds the treatment of its sports advisor totally disproportionate even though he was not guilty of insulting or threatening the officiating refereeing body. during the match against Olympique Lyonnais on September 22. This decision is all the more surprising and incomprehensible as it is not consistent or balanced with regard to similar situations or events that occurred recently or in the more distant past for which the commission ruled. OM would like to point out that the club will continue to make its voice heard whenever it considers it necessary.we can read in the official Marseillais press release.
Riolo points out excess zeal
An opinion shared by Daniel Riolo, journalist for RMC. While Benatia can still contest this decision before the FFF’s higher appeals commission or contact the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, the After Foot editorialist believes that the sanction is excessive.
“In no way does it deserve this much. You must already have a record when you appear before the commission, but Benatia has just arrived in our championship. I don’t believe in the theory of lack of respect (towards the referee, editor’s note), but I would have put in a match, no more. 3 fixed matches and 3 suspended matches is too much”Riolo said.
