Espérance Sportive de Tunis Responds to Criticisms from Étoile Sportive du Sahel
The Espérance Sportive de Tunis published an official statement on Friday, firmly responding to criticisms from Étoile Sportive du Sahel regarding the refereeing of the last classico.
Rejection of Accusations and Call for Neutral Arbitration
The Bab Souika club rejects the accusations, denounces attempts to pressure referees, and calls on the Tunisian Football Federation to designate foreign referees for its upcoming important matches, in a bid for neutrality and transparency. The club claims to be the most harmed by refereeing errors since the beginning of the season, citing several penalties that were not awarded in their favor, without having publicly contested the decisions or exerted pressure on the authorities.
Controversial Precedent
The Espérance references a controversial precedent, specifically the match on March 10, 2024, against Étoile du Sahel at the Sousse Olympic Stadium. Referee Khaled Gouider, who had annulled a goal deemed valid by all analysts, was again designated for the upcoming classico. The club expresses surprise at this decision, estimating that it raises legitimate questions, while specifying that it did not anticipate this designation with a formal objection.
Criticism of Rumors and Manipulation Attempts
The statement also criticizes the spread of rumors that the designated referees are close to the Espérance. According to information gathered by the club, these officials are actually supporters of the opposing team, which would translate to a new attempt at destabilization. The Espérance rejects "all forms of pressure or manipulation aimed at influencing the results" and recalls that its opponents have sometimes benefited from unclear or non-existent penalties, while the club has, according to them, been deprived of obvious contentious actions.
Call for Foreign Referees
In an increasingly tense climate, the club officially requests that the refereeing commission call on foreign referees for the next high-stakes matches. A measure that, according to them, would guarantee more equity, neutrality, and credibility in the Tunisian championship.
