Overwhelmed by Events, Slow, Hesitant, and Calculating: The Failure of Our Refereeing
The recent match between CA and USM, broadcast live and watched by the Arab world and beyond, has left a sense of pity for the state of our refereeing. The events that unfolded at Radès exceeded all limits of tolerance, with a series of questionable decisions and a blatant disregard for the rules.
A Mascarade of Refereeing
The performance of referee Bassem Belaïd and VAR official Oussama Ishak was a disaster, particularly in their handling of the three penalties. One cannot help but wonder what was going through their minds. Were they incapable of discerning the obvious episodes, or were they malicious and calculating, serving the interests of other clubs or individuals?
Questionable Decisions
The first penalty, awarded to CA, was a clear foul, but Belaïd took five minutes to make a decision. The second penalty, awarded to USM, was also questionable, with a suspected offside and a potential foul. The third penalty, which was annulled in the second half, was a comedy of errors, with Belaïd changing his mind after consulting with Ishak.
Lack of Competence and Potential Bias
The actions of Belaïd and Ishak raise serious questions about their competence and potential bias. The fact that they took so long to make decisions on clear fouls and penalties suggests a lack of confidence and a potential agenda. The image transmitted was ugly and disturbing, leaving fans wondering if the referees were intentionally trying to influence the outcome of the match.
Catastrophic Refereeing
Belaïd's refereeing was catastrophic, allowing aggressive play and failing to take action on clear fouls. The incident involving Ait Malek, who was aggressed by Harzi and bled in front of the referee, was particularly egregious. Belaïd's decision to give Harzi a yellow card after receiving a message from Ishak was also questionable.
A Systemic Problem
The problem goes beyond Belaïd and Ishak, highlighting a deeper issue with the refereeing system. The fact that our referees are no longer selected for major international events is a testament to the lack of trust in their abilities. The question is no longer about the individuals, but about the invisible machine that directs them.
Immediate Solutions Needed
The situation has reached a dangerous point, and immediate solutions are needed to address the refereeing crisis. The championship is at risk of being compromised, and it is imperative that action is taken to restore trust in the refereeing system. However, given the current atmosphere and the pernicious behind-the-scenes dealings, it may be a pipe dream to expect significant changes.
