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The decision fell like a cleaver. The French Football Federation (FFF) recently inflicted a particularly heavy sanction in Medhi Benatia, director of football of Olympique de Marseille. This decision, perceived as disproportionate by many observers, surprised by its severity, especially since it contrasts with lighter sanctions imposed in similar circumstances. But what really happened so that the former Moroccan international finds himself at the heart of such a storm?
Words deemed “intimidating” towards the referee
According to Provence, the agitated end of the 16th finals of the French Cup opposing OM and Lille expected dear to Franco-Moroccan. During this tense match which had concluded in the penalty shots (1-1, 3-4 TAB). Benatia would have expressed her misunderstanding towards arbitration in a manner deemed too vehement. In particular, the fourth referee, Jérémy Stinat, reported having felt ” threat “
By the Marseille leader after he spoke of the forgetting of a penalty in favor of OM.
Benatia's gesture that costs him dear.
This statement of Stinat was enough for the FFF disciplinary committee to qualify Benatia's attitude “intimidating and threatening behavior towards an official”, in reference to article 8 of the disciplinary regulation. Result: three months of firm suspension, three months suspended suspended. A heavy sentence, especially since Benatia risked up to six months of eviction.
Benatia and OM point to unequal treatment
What shocks the most is the comparison with the treatment reserved for Olivier Létang, president of LOSC, also understood for similar facts in the same match. Létang was accused of a “Excessive and displaced behavior” Towards the referees, but only received a month of suspended suspension, without any firm sentence. This difference in treatment aroused misunderstanding on the Marseille side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTCU9QTY2JS
In view of this sanction, OM plans to appeal and has already announced it officially. This file highlights the persistent tensions between the Marseille club and the disciplinary body, with decisions that continue to fuel debates on equity in French football.
Written by:
Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
 As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers.
 
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