The JSMB has raised concerns about the refereeing decisions. Gianni Solinas, the coach of JSM Béjaïa, expressed his frustration in an interview with Le Buteur, stating, “Everyone saw what the referee did today (Saturday). Not only did he deprive us of a penalty, but he unfairly sent me off while I was giving instructions to a substitute player. I don’t understand under what point of the rules I was expelled. In my 21 years of career, I have never seen this!”
Boulem Taib, the president of the Medinat Béjaïa Youth Sports Association, also criticized the match official, saying, “The referee wronged us. He turned a blind eye to a clear penalty in our favor and he broke us.” Rachid Redjradj, the general manager of the club, emphasized the team’s disappointment, stating, “We were somewhat expecting this scenario. This is unfortunately the reality of African football. We do not deserve elimination.”
The statements from the coach, president, and general manager collectively convey a sense of frustration and disbelief over the refereeing decisions that, according to them, played a significant role in their elimination from the African Champions League.
