The Algeria Football Association has filed a protest to CAF and also world football governing body (FIFA) demanding for the suspension of the referee who officiated their defeat to the senior national team of Nigeria in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Algeria were knocked out of the tournament in the quarter final by Nigeria after 0-2 defeat, but despite the fact that they were totally dominated by Nigeria, they insist that unfair officiating aided the victory of the Super Eagles.
To that effect they confirmed they have written to both CAF and FIFA demanding an investigation into the manner which Senegalese referee Issa Sy handled the game.
As part of their complain, they listed not being awarded a penalty for a handball against Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi, and also why six of their players received cautions. They also wondered why the referee only agreed to shake hands with only Nigerian players after the game, while snubbing theirs.
“We cannot overlook the refereeing decisions in the last match, which raised questions and left widespread dissatisfaction, as they undermined the credibility of African refereeing and do not serve the image of African football on the international stage”, part of the statement reads.
“Accordingly, we have contacted CAF, as well as FIFA, by filing an official complaint accompanied by a request to open an investigation, in order to clarify what happened and take appropriate measures in accordance with the applicable regulations”.
Meanwhile the protest is coming hot on the heels of a charge brought by CAF on the conduct of their players and officials after the game, where they were violent in their conduct.
