Liam Rosenior slams referee over costly Strasbourg red card ahead of last-minute defeat to Lyon

Rosenior was left furious after Doukoure was sent off in the 67th minute for a tackle on Fofana. Referee Eric Wattellier initially deemed the tackle worthy of only a yellow card. However, the official was instructed to review the play by the video assistant referee. After checking the pitch-side monitor, Wattellier reversed his initial decision and brandished a red card, reducing Strasbourg to 10 men for the final 23 minutes of the match.

The loss of the defender, who had scored an own goal to give Lyon an equaliser in the first half, proved costly as a late strike from Afonso Moreira consigned the visitors to a last-gasp defeat at the Groupama Stadium.

The Strasbourg boss was adamant that the match was swung by poor officiating, focusing on the decision to dismiss Doukoure. Rosenior argued that Wattellier was incorrectly influenced by the severity of the subsequent injury to Lyon's Fofana, rather than the nature of the foul itself.

"There were two fairly clear decisions that put us in a difficult situation. I don't think there was a red card," Rosenior stated. "For me, it was an unlucky action. I don't want to see injured players on the pitch, but the referee judged based on the injury, not the action. It wasn't a dangerous tackle."

The challenge left Fofana in significant distress, and the Lyon winger had to be stretchered off the pitch. He was subsequently taken to hospital for further tests amid fears of a major injury.

Lyon's assistant coach, Jorge Maciel, expressed deep concern in his post-match press conference. "He's having X-rays, but for now, we don't really know. Looking at the images, it's not very reassuring," Maciel said. "The ankle, but perhaps also the tibia and fibula, are affected. There's uncertainty, and that's why he's having tests."

The red card was the decisive moment in what had been a difficult afternoon for Doukoure. Strasbourg had initially taken the lead in the 25th minute through Joaquin Panichelli.

Lyon responded just six minutes later, equalising via a disastrous own goal from Doukoure in the 31st minute. Following the defender's dismissal, the match appeared to be heading for a draw, but Strasbourg's 10 men finally buckled in stoppage time with Moreira finding the net to steal all three points for the hosts.

Despite Lyon dominating possession with 59 per cent, the match was a tight affair with few clear chances. Lyon registered just four shots, two on target, while Strasbourg managed five shots, also with two on target.

The result has significant ramifications for the Ligue 1 table. Lyon's victory propels them into the Champions League qualification spots, moving them up to fourth with 18 points after nine matches.

For Strasbourg, the defeat sees them drop to seventh on 16 points, stalling their push for a European place. Rosenior's side must now prepare for their next fixture without the suspended Doukoure. Lyon, meanwhile, face an anxious wait for the results of Fofana's X-rays, fearing a long-term lay-off for their winger.

Strasbourg are in action again on Wednesday when they take on an Auxerre side sitting second bottom of the table while Lyon face 11th-placed Paris FC.