French Football Association Criticizes Referee’s Decision in Monaco-PSG Match

The French Football Association’s refereeing committee has publicly disagreed with referee François Letexier’s decision not to dismiss AS Monaco defender Wilfried Singo during a recent Ligue 1 match. The incident in question involved a dangerous collision between Singo and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

During the December 18 fixture between Monaco and PSG, Singo’s boot made contact with Donnarumma’s face, resulting in a facial injury that forced the Italian goalkeeper to leave the game. The committee stated that this action endangered Donnarumma’s physical well-being and warranted a red card for Singo.

The FA has released the dialogue between the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Letexier following the incident. The VAR team decided not to recommend an on-field review, believing that Singo had attempted to avoid contact by jumping over Donnarumma. They acknowledged the significant consequences but concluded there was no further action to be taken.

However, the refereeing committee has now asserted that the VAR should have overruled Letexier’s initial decision and that Singo should have been sent off. This public critique of the match officials’ judgment highlights the ongoing debates surrounding refereeing decisions and the use of VAR in football.