Lorient Coach Christian Gourcuff: Claude Makelele Enjoys Refereeing Impunity

Having watched his Lorient side battle to a 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday night, coach Christian Gourcuff raged that Claude Makelele was overly protected by Ligue 1 referees, and the Breton tactician reaffirmed his views when speaking to L’Equipe on Monday.

Les Merlus grabbed the lead in a well balanced encounter through Arnold Mvuemba, who completed a flowing move through the middle, but they were quickly pegged back by a Guillaume Hoarau goal in first half stoppage time. Lorient had the better of the second half chances but found visiting goalkeeper Gregory Coupet in top form.

Frustrated, Gourcuff told the press after the encounter, “I particularly regret the refereeing. Makelele could have taken the whistle. I do not think there is a full equity in this type of game.”

Having had time to consider his outburst, he simply confirmed his ire on Monday morning. “Makelele is not refereed as the others,” he said to L’Equipe. “He enjoys impunity. On Saturday, he committed big fouls that were not punished. The behaviour of the referee is a problem.”

Makelele had previously said on Saturday evening, “I don’t want to leave my opponents with broken legs, but football is still a sport for men, we must admit a little contact.”

Meanwhile, the referee in question, Said Ennjimi, riposted, “It hurts to be taken hostage. I would have preferred Monsieur Gourcuff come see me in my dressing room to tell me his feelings. I am very hurt by this kind of talk.

“To say that Monsieur Makelele is protected, is completely false. He is a player like the others, it is considered like any other. There is no favouritism.”

Ironically, PSG had complained about the actions of Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas last weekend. Les Parisiens claimed that his half-time discussion with a referee might have influenced the arbitrator, even subconsciously, to allow Bafetimbi Gomis to score a late offside equaliser at the Parc des Princes.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com