Rafik Belghali has publicly denied claims that he pursued match referee Issa Sy with hostile intent following Algeria’s quarter-final defeat to Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the incident as a misunderstanding fuelled by emotion at the end of a painful elimination.
The dramatic contest, which ended Algeria’s hopes in the tournament, was followed by chaotic scenes at the final whistle.
Players and staff from both teams were involved in heated exchanges on the pitch, while a separate moment quickly gained traction on social media: footage appeared to show the Senegalese referee refusing to shake hands with several Algerian players.
That apparent snub provoked anger among supporters and raised questions about the match officials’ conduct.
In the aftermath, the Algerian Football Federation lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football, citing concerns over what it described as poor control of the game and decisions that disadvantaged the Fennecs.
As online criticism intensified, Belghali found himself accused of chasing the referee through the corridors of the Agadir stadium.
Seeking to clarify his role, the player issued a statement on his social media channels in which he rejected the version of events circulating online.
He acknowledged the video clips being shared but insisted they did not reflect the full context.
“I saw the video circulating after the match and I understand how it can be interpreted without knowing the full context. After the final whistle, I approached the referee to shake his hand,” Belghali wrote.
Belghali explained that he was taken aback by the official’s response and decided to follow him briefly to seek an explanation.
He stressed that there was no aggression behind his actions, only confusion and frustration in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.
“His reaction surprised me, and in the heat of the moment, I briefly followed him to ask why. There was no aggression or intention to confront him. However, I take responsibility for letting the situation fester in a moment of intense emotion after a thrilling match.”
The statement is an attempt to draw a line under a sequence of events that has overshadowed Algeria’s exit from the tournament.
For Belghali, the episode does not align with how he sees himself as a professional.
He was keen to reaffirm his respect for the laws of the game and those tasked with enforcing them.
“I respect the referees and the game, and I’m focused on my development as a professional and on representing my club and my country responsibly and with discipline,” Belghali added in closing.
While CAF has yet to publicly respond to the Algerian federation’s complaint, the incident highlights the intensity that has surrounded the latter stages of the tournament.
The refusal of a handshake, the touchline confrontations and the images shared widely online have combined to create a narrative that Algeria’s players feel misrepresents their intentions.
Belghali’s intervention is therefore not only a personal defence but also an effort to restore perspective.
By acknowledging that emotions ran high while denying any wrongdoing, he has sought to shift the conversation away from confrontation and back towards professionalism, even in moments of disappointment.
