Esperance Sportive de Tunis coach Patrice Beaumelle criticised Somali referee Omar Artan after his side’s defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Tunisian giants went down 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday in the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final.
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Brayan Leon scored the decisive goal as Masandawana secured a 2-0 aggregate win to reach the final for the second successive time. Sundowns had claimed the same 1-0 victory in Tunisia in the first leg.
While Beaumelle praised both teams for their performances, he accused the referee of ruining the match and questioned whether he was up to the standard required for a semi-final of this level.
“Tonight I’m very sad because two teams came with fantastic behaviour and to play fantastic football with this stadium football full – fans from Sundowns and Esperance,” said Beaumelle on SABC Sport.
“And it’s a shame that once again that referee’s decision killed the game. For me, it’s a disaster, it’s where Africa must improve because it’s always a matter of referees.
“And I’m very proud that it was a good game but in my opinion, the referee was not at a good level to be officiate such a semi-final.
“It’s a pity because it was a very good game. Well done my boys, we did a very good game and I wish the best of luck to Sundowns in the final.”
