The Chabab Constantine-Nedjm Magra clash, which ended in a goalless draw, has ignited heated debate, overshadowing another major result—Chabab Belouizdad’s 6-1 defeat to Al-Ahly in Cairo.
At the center of the controversy is referee Lotfi Boukouassa, whose decision to disallow a goal he initially approved has divided opinions.
During the match, Boukouassa faced intense scrutiny after overturning his decision to award a goal.
The referee used footage from a spectator’s mobile phone to determine an offside, a move that raised questions about the legality and precedent of such an action.
Current football regulations, as outlined by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), do not permit decisions based on unofficial video evidence.
The incident has highlighted a regulatory gap, prompting calls for urgent action to address the issue.
Boukouassa found himself in a difficult position, caught between adhering to the rules and dealing with mounting pressure from both teams’ officials.
The decision-making process dragged on for 30 minutes, with heated arguments and high-stakes tension dominating the pitch.
Despite the challenges, Boukouassa relied on his judgment and ultimately disallowed the goal, stating there was indeed an offside.
This incident has reignited discussions about the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in Algerian football.
Critics argue that the lack of such systems places referees in nearly impossible situations, leaving them vulnerable to errors and external pressures.
Boukouassa’s actions, while controversial, have also been interpreted as an attempt to ensure fairness under challenging circumstances.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has responded through its emergency committee to address the fallout from the incident.
While some have criticized Boukouassa, others emphasize the need to support him, pointing out the systemic challenges he faced, including the absence of VAR and the role of his assistant referee in the debacle.
Boukouassa’s decision has sparked speculation that future regulatory amendments addressing the use of informal video evidence might bear his name.
For now, the referee’s integrity and his effort to uphold justice, despite the immense pressure, serve as a reminder of the complexities referees face in the modern game.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the incident will have lasting implications for Algerian football, particularly in terms of technological advancements and the protocols governing officiating.
