
Ajaccio coach Mathieu Chabert has expressed his anger over what he believes is unfair refereeing after his team’s 3-1 defeat to Amiens.
Travelling to Amiens’ Stade de la Licorne, Ajaccio hoped to get their season back on track, but the match started disastrously for them. Just two minutes in, Amiens were awarded a penalty, which Mamadou Mafouta calmly converted to put the home side ahead. Despite the early setback, Ajaccio fought back, reducing the deficit just before half-time to make it 2-1.
However, the game’s key moments came after the break. Ajaccio had two golden opportunities to level the match but failed to capitalise. To add to their frustration, they believed they should have been awarded a penalty of their own in the second half for what they saw as a clear foul inside the box. Instead, the referee waved play on, much to the fury of Chabert and his players. In stoppage time, Amiens sealed the victory with a second penalty, which only intensified Ajaccio’s sense of injustice.
After the match, Chabert did not hold back in his post-match interview, venting his frustration with the officiating. “We managed to stay in the game and set up our play, but then certain decisions went against us,” he said. “I don’t know whether to criticise the refereeing or say nothing, but this has to stop. Injustice in football is hard to accept. We’ll keep our heads down and keep fighting, but this simply has to end.”
This result marks Ajaccio’s fourth defeat of the season, leaving them in a difficult position in Ligue 2. Chabert also highlighted that this is not the first time his team has been on the wrong side of contentious refereeing decisions. “It’s been four games where the calls have gone against us,” he explained. “Against Caen, there was a handball in the area that wasn’t given. Against Lorient, we had a harsh red card, and they escaped one. Against Martigues, we had two dismissals. Now, this match today. We deserved at least a point.”
Despite his frustration, Chabert remained focused on the future, insisting that his team would need to work even harder to overcome these challenges. “Now, we have to keep working and improving. But we also need to be refereed fairly,” he added.
Ajaccio’s upcoming fixture will be crucial, as they host Bastia in a heated Corsican derby next Saturday. This match is not only a local rivalry but also an opportunity for Chabert’s team to turn their fortunes around and move away from the relegation zone.
Refereeing Controversies Cloud Ajaccio’s Struggles
From a pundit’s perspective, Chabert’s frustrations are understandable. In Ligue 2, where the margins between success and failure are often slim, controversial refereeing decisions can have a profound impact on a team’s morale and results. Ajaccio have been on the receiving end of several questionable calls, and it’s no surprise that these incidents are starting to wear on both the players and the coaching staff.
However, while refereeing may be a valid concern, it’s clear that Ajaccio need to focus on their performances as well. Four defeats in quick succession suggest deeper issues within the squad that go beyond officiating. As they prepare for the Corsican derby, Chabert’s side will need to regain confidence and focus on improving their game if they want to move up the table.
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