FC Nantes almost plunged back into crisis. At La Beaujoire, the Canaries came close to new disillusionment in the face of a direct competitor for maintenance. Three weeks after the affront suffered against Metz (0-2), Luis Castro’s men this time snatched the equalizer at the end of the suspense, thanks to a saving header from Awaziem in added time. A valuable point, but one that leaves a bitter taste.
Because this meeting against Lorient was marked by an episode of controversial arbitration. On the opening score for Merlus, an own goal from Awaziem, confusion reigned. First canceled for an offside signal from Soumano, the action was finally validated after intervention by the VAR. Ruddy Buquet judged that the Lorient striker did not influence the Nantes defender, an interpretation which sparked incomprehension on the FCN side.
“No one respects our club”
The people of Nantes did not digest this decision, especially since a mistake by Meïté on Abline before the action was also mentioned. For Luis Castro, the cup is full. Without explicitly mentioning the refereeing, the coach expressed his unease after the match: “I don’t know why no one respects our club”he declared at the Ligue 1+ microphone.
The Portuguese technician then detailed his feelings, recognizing an insufficient first period, before a much more convincing second: “After this match against Lorient, I have a lot of frustration with certain facts of the game… But every time, it’s the same thing… I’m not going to talk about refereeing, but I don’t know why no one respects our club… I give my life for the club! ». Strong words.
