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🇫🇷 France /Sports

Lille-PSG: Referee's added time decision sparks controversy

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Context piece
  • Marquinhos scored a 95th-minute equalizer for PSG against Lille, leading to controversy over the referee's decision to extend added time.
  • Lille's players felt the extra seconds, beyond the initial three minutes, directly impacted the match's outcome.
  • Experts and coaches suggest the referee's decision to add time was justifiable due to a goal and a player injury, though interpretations vary.

Paris Saint-Germain's late equalizer against Lille on Friday has ignited debate over referee Eric Wattellier's decision to extend stoppage time. Marquinhos scored in the 95th minute, well beyond the initial three minutes added on, leading to frustration from the Lille camp.

What kills us is the last minute.

— Benjamin AndréLille midfielder Benjamin André expressing frustration over the extended added time.

Lille midfielder Benjamin André voiced his displeasure, stating that the "last minute" cost them the game. He argued that while a slight extension for a delay is understandable, the additional 15 seconds that allowed PSG's goal were excessive. Teammate Nabil Bentaleb opted for caution, declining to comment on the specifics to avoid repercussions.

However, the referee's decision appears to be within the rules. According to IFAB regulations, referees can extend stoppage time, not reduce it. The initial three minutes were extended due to PSG's goal in the 91st minute and a lengthy delay for Lille's goalkeeper, Berke Ozer, who took time to recover after a light contact.

I can understand that he adds 30 or 40 seconds, but we see that the 15 seconds too many at the end are what tipped the match.

— Benjamin AndréLille midfielder Benjamin André explaining his frustration with the added time.

Davide Ancelotti, Lille's coach, acknowledged that the referee "could have whistled" after Ozer handled the ball, but he did not consider it a "major error." He noted that the corner kick leading to the goal was taken before the 94th minute concluded. Football analysts also suggested that the delay caused by Ozer's recovery might have contributed to the extended time, making the situation less shocking than Lille players perceived.

We are not going to go into details because after, we know the consequences.

— Nabil BentalebLille midfielder Nabil Bentaleb declining to comment further on the referee's decision.

Despite the differing interpretations, the consensus among some observers is that while frustrating for Lille, the referee's actions were not a clear-cut mistake. The incident highlights the fine margins and subjective decisions that can shape the outcome of high-stakes football matches.

The referee can increase the added time, but not reduce it.

— Ifab rulesExplanation of football's Laws of the Game regarding added time.
About this summary

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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