The referees do not openly target the case of Presnel Kimpembe, who on Saturday during PSG-Brest distinguished himself with a dangerous tackle on Irvin Cardona (90th) before notably pushing the referee’s arm away in a gesture of irritation, but they say “wait for exemplary sanctions”.
In a press release, signed by SAFE (elite referees) and UNAF (amateur world), the referees denounce « these gestures and acts of violence (…) which give a very bad image of football in the direction of the amateur world” and “always cause more difficulties in the accomplishment of the mission of the referees of the amateur competitions in the leagues and the districts”.
They also mention « shocking images and facts”, while the last day of Ligue 2 had been marred by incidents in Metz. Referee Pierre Gaillouste, believing he no longer felt safe after a fan attempted to intrude, decided to stop the match in the 57th minute.
They appeal to the Minister of Sports
The match resumed after a 25-minute hiatus. Finally, the two organizations call on the Minister of Sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, to personally ensure that the sanctions are exemplary. The League Disciplinary Committee meets on Wednesday.