Algerian Club Threatens to Sue Referee for “Gifting Imaginary Penalty”

An Algerian side USM Bel Abbes have threatened to sue a referee following their defeat over the weekend.

It took a lone goal to condemn the two-time league two winners to a loss courtesy of Hicehm Mohktar after the referee had whistled for a spot-kick to third-from-bottom side US Biskra.

The reaction left USM Bel Abbes’ technical bench protesting furiously as interim coach Farid Zemiti pinned his side’s loss to the arbiter.

“It is not my habit to contest arbitration but Bessiri (the referee) killed us against JS Saoura. Frankly, he made several mistakes and whistled an imaginary penalty and he is responsible for the defeat conceded,” Hichem said in his post-game views.

The club’s sports coordinator Farid Zemiti was more forthcoming.

“Bessiri distorted the match by his decisions. We do not intend to keep quiet since we are going to file an overwhelming report against him,” he said.

USM Bel Abbess are perched seventh in the 16-team Algerian Premier League standings.