Mickaël Landreau, currently part of the Technical Directorate of Refereeing, condemned the remarks made over the weekend in Ligue 1 by Medhi Benatia, the sports advisor of OM, and Eric Roy, the coach of Brest, on Monday.
Landreau issued a reminder and a call for calm as he defended Ligue 1 referees after a particularly tumultuous weekend. Like the referees’ union, the former goalkeeper, appointed to the Technical Directorate of Refereeing (DTA) this summer, criticized Medhi Benatia’s comments during OM’s victory against OL on Sunday, the fifth matchday (2-3). The Marseille club’s sports advisor insulted referee Benoît Bastien at half-time and questioned his integrity after the match during an interview on DAZN. The Professional Football League’s disciplinary committee is set to summon the former Moroccan defender following intervention from the National Ethics Committee, and Benatia may face sanctions.
“There are things that are unacceptable,” Landreau stated when questioned by West France as a spokesperson for the DTA. “It is not acceptable to target referees personally. While it’s possible to discuss a game situation or a decision, questioning the integrity of the referees is simply unacceptable. They are human beings who sometimes make incorrect decisions.”
“We all suffer from these behaviors”
The 45-year-old former goalkeeper, who serves as a “sports advisor for the tactical and technical preparation of referees” at the DTA, elaborated further on the L’Équipe channel: “These comments are unacceptable. When you attack a referee personally or criticize their appointment, that’s not right. We all suffer from the negative image of football and its behavior today. There is nothing positive about it. I’m not suggesting that Medhi cannot voice his opinion; he has a right to express disagreement with certain decisions. However, when you start naming individuals…”
Mickaël Landreau also expressed disappointment over Eric Roy’s inflammatory comments, where he claimed that Ligue 1 officiating was not on par with that of the Champions League following his dismissal during the Brest-Toulouse match (2-0). “He would have been dismissed as well if he had behaved that way in the Champions League. What transpired with Eric is detrimental to football and its image,” lamented the former PSG and Nantes goalkeeper to Ouest-France. “The DTA is very open to dialogue. We have invited every club to discuss our working methods and the image of Ligue 1, which is a collective responsibility. Brest is the only club that hasn’t responded to our inquiries.”
Mickaël Landreau Defends Ligue 1 Referees Against Recent Controversies
Mickaël Landreau, now a member of the Technical Directorate of Refereeing (DTA), denounced the comments made over the weekend in Ligue 1 by Medhi Benatia, the sports advisor of OM, and Eric Roy, the coach of Brest. In an interview, Landreau expressed his disappointment regarding the treatment of referees and the unacceptable behavior exhibited by certain figures in the league.
Context of the Controversy
After OM’s thrilling victory against OL (2-3) during the 5th day of Ligue 1, Benatia hurled insults at referee Benoît Bastien during halftime. Following the match, he further questioned the referee’s integrity in a post-match interview on DAZN. This incident, alongside similar remarks from Eric Roy, has drawn significant attention and concern from the footballing community.
The disciplinary committee of the Professional Football League (LFP) is set to summon Benatia, following an intervention from the National Ethics Committee. Such actions may lead to potential sanctions against the former Moroccan international. Landreau’s comments and advocacy for integrity in the refereeing profession are crucial during these tumultuous times.
Landreau’s Call for Respect
In addressing the controversy, Landreau stated, “There are things that are unacceptable.” Speaking to West France, he emphasized the need for respect towards referees, highlighting that they are human beings who sometimes make erroneous decisions.
“Going to touch the men is not possible,” he continued. “We can discuss a game situation, a decision. On the other hand, going to the integrity of the men and women referees, frankly… There’s a line that should not be crossed.”
Consequences of Disrespectful Comments
The comments by both Benatia and Roy exemplify a growing trend of unsportsmanlike behavior in football, which Landreau addressed by expressing that, “We all suffer from the image of football today and all its behavior.”
Below are some potential consequences of such behaviors:
- Potential Sanctions: Officials like Benatia may face disciplinary actions from the league, affecting their roles within their clubs.
- Impact on Referee Performance: When referees face personal attacks, their confidence and performance can be adversely affected.
- Negative Media Coverage: Events like these can lead to sensationalist headlines and negative perceptions around the sport.
The Importance of Good Sportsmanship
Mickaël Landreau has expressed that it’s essential for players, coaches, and clubs to maintain sportsmanship at all times. By fostering an environment of respect, the overall image and integrity of Ligue 1 can be preserved. Landreau stated, “I’m not saying Medhi can’t intervene. He has the right to express disagreement with decisions. But when personal attacks come into play, it becomes problematic.”
Broader Implications for Ligue 1
The comments made by Eric Roy about the disparity between refereeing in Ligue 1 versus the Champions League were also criticized by Landreau. “What happened with Eric harms football and its image,” he stated.
Some potential outcomes of these incidents might include:
| Implication | Details |
|---|---|
| Increased Pressure on Referees | Continual scrutiny and criticism can lead to heightened pressure during matches. |
| Lowered Referee Morale | Referees might feel undervalued and disillusioned about their contributions to the game. |
| Possibility of Reforms | The incidents might prompt the league to implement better support systems for referees, potentially improving officiating quality. |
Open Discussion with Clubs
Landreau took the initiative to extend an invitation to all clubs for dialogue regarding the state of refereeing in Ligue 1. “The DTA is very open to discussion. We have offered each club to have a conversation about our work wishes and the image of Ligue 1, which is everyone’s responsibility,” he stated.
However, it was noted that Brest is currently the only club that has not responded to these outreach efforts. This lack of engagement could further isolate Brest’s management from crucial developments concerning the integrity of refereeing.
Benefits of Upholding Integrity in Football
Ensuring integrity and respect within the football community carries numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Reputation: Upholding high standards of respect can improve the reputation of Ligue 1 internationally.
- Improved Performance: Better officiating leads to more fair competitions, enhancing match quality and audience enjoyment.
- Stronger Community: Respectful interactions create stronger relationships among players, coaches, and referees, fostering a healthier football environment.
Final Remarks from Landreau
In conclusion, Landreau’s passionate defense of referees underlines a pivotal moment for Ligue 1. By advocating for respect and understanding, he highlights the collective responsibility that all participants in football share in maintaining the integrity of the sport.
