In the midst of a crisis, French arbitration is faced with revolt from Ligue 1 clubs. Only one has not called for the resignation of Antony Gautier.
The damning press release came this week in response to the dismissal of Stéphane Lannoy, head of arbitration delegated to the professional sector. “ The refereeing of our Ligue 1 does not seem to be up to the challenge today, as illustrated by the numerous errors and controversies, every weekend, on almost all Ligue 1 pitches. […] The images provided by the VAR and available to the referees make them even more incomprehensible, even less acceptable. »
A complaint co-signed by 17 of the 18 clubs forming the elite and demanding the immediate departure of Technical Director of Refereeing Antony Gautier “ with whom dialogue and trust are definitively broken “. Vice-president of the French Football Federation, Jean-Michel Aulas was moved by this witch hunt, denouncing the unacceptable interference of L1 clubs in French arbitration. An opinion shared by the boss of the FFF Philippe Diallo.
The Strasbourg exception
« Antony Gautier will obviously continue his mission », hammered the boss of the French football Saturday evening in Décines on the sidelines of the Blues’ match against Germany. “ French refereeing must regain its serenity and ensure that the end of the refereeing season takes place in a peaceful atmosphere. » To do this, the FFF can count on the support of Marc Keller, one of the members of its Executive Committee.
Also president of the Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace, Marc Keller is the only representative of Ligue 1 teams who did not initial the anti-Gautier blast published this week. A revelation made this Sunday by Agence France Presse. “ Antony Gautier has my confidence to lead French arbitration », trumpets Philippe Diallo. Even if it means making 17 unhappy…
