Raja Casablanca has decided to break its silence by sending an official protest to the Central Arbitration Commission and the National Directorate of Referees, following what it describes as “serious refereeing errors” committed by referee Karim Sabri and his team during the derby against Wydad, played on Friday 22, as part of the 11th day of the Botola Pro.
In a scathing letter, Raja demands an exemplary sanction: the definitive suspension of the referee as well as the withdrawal of his international distinction, denouncing decisions which would have “undermined sporting fairness” and “directly influenced the result of the encounter".
Severe accusations
In its press release, Raja does not mince its words: “Since the arrival of the new arbitration governing bodies, the club had refrained from filing complaints, believing that certain errors were the work of young referees to whom they had to be given a chance. However, during this derby, Karim Sabri’s errors went beyond the limits of what was acceptable, affecting the progress of the match and its outcome.”
The club also looks back on the referee's previous performances:
“Since the start of the season, this same referee has made a number of errors which have impacted the results of many teams, which has already led several clubs to protest. Yet instead of punishing him, he was singled out for this crucial match, with even more serious consequences.”
A detailed error list:
Raja lists the disputed decisions of the referee during the derby:
•8th minute: Violent intervention by the player Wydadi Bouteille on Zerida, ignored by the referee.
•11th minute: Flagrant foul by Mbarki on Buzuq, again without intervention from the referee.
•17th minute: The referee refuses to send off Moutaraji after a dangerous tackle, despite the advice of the VAR and a review of the images.
•66th minute: Aggressive tackle by (M'Baye) Niang on Khififi, not sanctioned by a red card or by recourse to VAR.
Video of the controversial 17th minute tackle by Wydad's Ismail Moutaraji on Bodda Mouhsine
Raja also highlights inconsistencies in the allocation of cards: “Our players received free warnings, while Wydadi attacks were ignored, contributing to creating a climate of impunity which endangered our players.”
A call for reform
Raja does not just criticize. The club warns of the consequences of these repeated errors: “These arbitration decisions endanger the credibility of Botola Pro and distort the principle of equal opportunities. They also harm the image of Moroccan football and that of the country's referees.”
To conclude, Raja demands immediate measures against referee Karim Sabri and his team: “We demand his definitive suspension and the withdrawal of his international distinction. It is about sporting fairness and the protection of players, who are already victims of serious injuries due to a lack of control on the field.
A strong appeal, which testifies to the rising tensions around the Casablanca Derby that is still burning on and off the field.
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