US Ben Guerdane has formally expressed dissatisfaction with recent refereeing decisions, claiming that officiating errors have negatively affected the club’s performances in the Tunisian Ligue 1.
In a strongly worded statement, the club’s board of directors called on the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) and the National Directorate of Arbitration to investigate what it describes as repeated injustices.
Concerns over officiating
The club alleges that controversial decisions in recent matches have had a direct impact on their results, hindering their progress in the league.
While US Ben Guerdane stopped short of accusing officials of bias, their statement implies a pattern of questionable calls that have disadvantaged the team.
“Our club has suffered from refereeing decisions that have unfairly influenced the outcome of matches,” the statement read.
“We demand an immediate review of these incidents to ensure that refereeing remains impartial and that fair competition is upheld.”
Although the club did not specify which particular matches or incidents triggered their complaint, their frustration has been mounting in recent weeks.
Several close games have seen contentious decisions, including penalty calls and disallowed goals, which have contributed to the team’s struggles in the league standings.
Call for action from the federation
US Ben Guerdane has urged the FTF and the refereeing body to take swift action to ensure the integrity of the competition.
The club is calling for a thorough review of the recent officiating performances and the implementation of measures to improve refereeing standards.
In Tunisia, refereeing controversies are not uncommon, with multiple clubs over the years voicing concerns about officiating inconsistencies.
However, few teams have taken the step of formally requesting an investigation, making US Ben Guerdane’s move a significant one.
The club’s demands come at a crucial time in the season, as they seek to maintain their position in the league and push for better results.
Any potential response from the FTF or the refereeing authorities could have implications for officiating protocols moving forward.
Broader debate on refereeing standards
The issue of refereeing quality has been an ongoing debate in Tunisian football.
Calls for the introduction of video assistant referee (VAR) technology have grown louder, as teams look for ways to minimize human errors in crucial matches.
Whether US Ben Guerdane’s complaint will lead to concrete changes remains to be seen.
For now, the club awaits a response from the governing bodies, hoping for reassurances that fairness and transparency will be maintained in the competition.