Raja Athletic Club have launched an official complaint to FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the VAR drama and officiating in their defeat to Al Ahly.
The Botola Pro giants lost 2-1 at the Al Ahly Stadium in Cairo on Saturday and were left incensed over the penalty decision for Amr El Solia’s opener – that was referred to VAR, but inexplicably still given.
It’s been suggested that the camera angle offered to Jean-Jacques Ndala appeared to have looked like a clear handball, but other camera angles shown on television suggested in hit the Raja player’s thigh.
VAR informed Jean-Jacques Ndala to award this penalty for @AlAhly last night against @RCAofficiel. 🤯
I thought the technology was supposed to eradicate the howlers of officials. #TotalEnergiesCAFCL
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) April 17, 2022
There was also an incident with an official grabbed goalscorer Mohamed Zrida by the neck and the official complaint highlighted the following:
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- Breach of VAR protocol when awarding an Ahly penalty for «non-existent» handball.
- No red card to Percy Tau for «serious foul play».
- The Assistant puts his hand around Zrida’s throat.
- No offside on Ahly second goal.
Ever seen this before? 🤐#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/l6dQKxvM9W
— Maghrib Foot (@MaghribFoot) April 16, 2022
The first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final was marred by poor officiating. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala and VAR official Medhi Abid Charef acted in a flagrant breach of the principle of equal opportunity and fair refereeing and took several unfair, ungrounded decisions which harmed the interests of Raja Club Atheltic,” read part of the official statement.
🟢Official statement by Raja Club Athletic’s board regarding Al Ahly SC Vs. Raja Club Athletic refereeing@CAF_Online @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/ASH9LYDnJP
— Raja Club Athletic (@RCAofficiel) April 18, 2022
