In the wake of RC Lens’ 1-0 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Franck Haise bemoaned the refereeing performance. Les Sang et Or received eight yellow cards in what was a heated encounter in the Netherlands.
Luuk de Jong got the only goal of the match, perfectly meeting Johan Bakayoko’s cross to direct a header past Brice Samba, who could only tip the ball onto the underside of the ball. Both sides had chances late on, but the best fell to Lens. Morgan Guilavogui struck the foot of the post with a driven effort from inside the box, whilst Kevin Danso saw a late header cleared off the line.
What was a difficult night got worse for Lens in the dying seconds as Guilavogui received a second yellow. The striker came on as a substitute late in the second half. He earned two of Lens’ eight yellow cards on the night, many of which came in the minutes preceding and following the half-time whistle. All of Les Sang et Or’s defence were on yellows from the early stages of the second half, leaving them walking a tightrope.
Speaking in a post-match press conference, transcribed by RMC Sport, Haise did not positively appraise the refereeing performance. “On the refereeing, I have just one stat: we made 10 fouls and received eight yellows and a red. The opponent made 19 fouls and received two yellows. Do what you want with that,” said the Lens manager.
He added, “We received three cards for complaining. We need to be more experienced, more malicious or more vicious and be a little less naive in any case. I think it’s best not to be the underdog in this competition.” It is fair to say that Haise believes the home side were favoured on this occasion.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
