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Algerian referee Lotfi Bekouassa faces suspension after allegedly using a smartphone for an offside decision, sparking controversy.
A referee in Algeria has found himself at the center of controversy after allegedly using a smartphone to make a critical offside decision during a match in the absence of VAR technology.
The incident, which occurred during a 14th-round fixture of the Algerian Ligue 1 between CS Constantine and NC Magra, has sparked widespread debate about the integrity of refereeing in the league.
The match ended in a goalless draw, but the closing moments of stoppage time were anything but uneventful.
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Nigerian striker Tosin Omoyele appeared to have secured a last-minute winner for Constantine, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside following a dramatic 30-minute interruption.
Suspicion arose when referee Lotfi Bekouassa was seen allegedly consulting unofficial footage on a smartphone before making the decision.
In a strongly worded statement, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) expressed its dismay at the events.
"The Algerian Football Federation expresses its regret for the events that accompanied the match between CS Constantine and NC Magra, as part of the 14th round of the First Division championship, which was marred by a serious refereeing error that damaged the image of refereeing,” the FAF stated as per Kickoff.com
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While initial reports suggest that the decision to disallow the goal for offside was technically correct, the method used by Bekouassa has raised serious ethical and procedural concerns.
The FAF wasted no time in suspending both Bekouassa and his assistant, Adel Abane, with immediate effect.
An investigation has been launched by the Federal Arbitration Commission to determine the full extent of the incident and any potential breaches of professional conduct.
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This controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of refereeing standards in Algeria’s top-flight football.
"The FAF, which continues to work to improve the technical level and strengthen the ethics of refereeing, emphasises that it will not tolerate any transgressions or behaviours that may damage the image of Algerian football or cause violence, whether by referees, administrators, or players," the federation added in its statement.
Reports indicate that this is not the first time Bekouassa has found himself under fire.
In December 2022, he faced backlash after disallowing a CR Belouizdad goal for a non-existent offside during a match against ES Ben Aknoun.
His recent conduct has cast further doubt on his future in Algerian football, with many calling for stricter measures to ensure fairness and accountability among referees.
Fans and analysts alike have expressed frustration over the lack of consistent officiating standards in the league.
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With VAR technology unavailable in many stadiums, referees are often left to rely solely on their judgment, which can lead to contentious calls.
However, resorting to a smartphone to adjudicate such a crucial decision has been widely condemned as a breach of protocol.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about the need for modernization in Algerian football.
Supporters argue that the introduction of VAR could help eliminate such controversies and restore faith in the officiating process.
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For now, the FAF’s swift action against Bekouassa signals its commitment to upholding the integrity of the game, but it also highlights the challenges faced in maintaining high standards without access to modern tools.
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