A troubling narrative emerged surrounding the refereeing decisions during the match against Ivory Coast. The Gabonese referee, Ghislain Pierre Atcho, faced scrutiny for several contentious calls that had a substantial impact on the course of the game.
The most notable incident occurred in the 10th minute when Sadio Mané’s challenge on Ibrahim Sangaré raised eyebrows.
Many argued that the severity of the tackle warranted more than just a yellow card.
Surprisingly, despite the availability of VAR, there was no intervention to review the decision, leaving questions about the consistency and accuracy of officiating standards.
VAR’s absence in crucial moments further fueled controversy. A blatant foul on Ismaïla Sarr, which could have resulted in a penalty for Senegal, went unnoticed.
The absence of VAR intervention in this instance raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about a potential attempt to balance perceived officiating errors.
As the game progressed, a pivotal moment unfolded in the 83rd minute. Sebastien Haller, situated on the left flank of the Ivorian attack, delivered a pass to Kouamé.
However, the sequence was marred by Nicolas Pépé being in an offside position as he engaged with Edouard Mendy.
Initially, the referee penalized Pépé for simulation, a decision that was eventually overturned after VAR intervention.
The controversy surrounding the refereeing decisions adds a layer of complexity to Senegal’s unexpected exit from the tournament.
Fans and pundits alike are calling for a thorough review of the match’s officiating, emphasizing the need for transparency and consistency in VAR application to ensure the integrity of the competition.
