New shock declaration from Benatia after OM – Lille

A few moments after the cruel defeat of Olympique de Marseille against Lille (4-3 tab) in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France, Mehdi Benatia gave way to memorable anger. Furious after his expulsion by Clément Turpin, the Marseille sports director violently attacked the refereeing, denouncing what he considers to be unfair treatment towards him.

A red that doesn’t fade

The incident took place at a moment of great tension. While OM had just equalized thanks to a splendid goal from Luis Henrique in the 90th minute, Benatia went to challenge the fourth referee, Jérémy Stinat, to demand a penalty not whistled on Jonathan Rowe. It was then that Clément Turpin, arriving from afar, brandished a red card against him, a decision that Benatia considered completely unjustified.

“What I just experienced this evening is serious”he declared on the microphone of beIN Sports. “We score, I go to see the 4th referee, and Turpin comes from 50 meters to give me a red. The 4th referee tells me that I threatened him with my finger. Honestly, find the images, it’s ridiculous. »

“Why me? »

Mehdi Benatia does not understand why he was sanctioned so severely, when other members of the staff and players were also present during the incident : “Why me? There were 25 people around, but as soon as I speak, I am punished. What am I different from others? »

He also explained the content of his remarks: “I simply said, after Luis Henrique’s goal: ‘Tell him now that it’s over that there was a penalty.’ And for that, I’m accused of having threatened someone with my finger? You have to be serious. »

Palpable Marseille frustration

This fiery exit reflects the enormous frustration that reigns within OM after this premature elimination. Despite a great performance marked by a spectacular equalizer, the Phocéens had to lose during a penalty shootout controlled by Lille, thanks in particular to a heroic Vito Mannone.

For Mehdi Benatia, this expulsion and the context surrounding the arbitration decision left a particularly bitter taste. “We showed a lot of courage and self-sacrifice. But tonight, what I experienced, it’s beyond comprehension “, he concluded.

Benatia, a liability that could weigh

Although Benatia did not direct her anger towards an appeal to the disciplinary committee, her statements could still have consequences. Already sanctioned last October for virulent comments towards Benoît Bastien, the Olympian staff member was sentenced to three suspended matches and three suspended sentences. The latter could now be reactivated, although Benatia’s main objective was to express his indignation at what he considers an injustice.