Thierry Henry Criticizes Referee Errors in Chaotic Rabat Final
Thierry Henry, the legendary footballer, recently voiced his concerns over referee decisions during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. He highlighted how such officiating missteps can escalate tensions among players and fans.
Controversial Officiating in the AFCON Final
During an interview on CBS Sports Golazo, Henry criticized the impact of poor officiating on the match. He noted that the decision to disallow Ismaila Sarr’s goal and the awarding of a last-minute penalty to Brahim Díaz led to significant frustration among Senegal’s Teranga Lions.
- Ismaila Sarr’s goal was ruled out.
- Brahim Díaz was awarded a penalty in the final moments of the game.
- This sequence of events prompted players to consider walking off the field.
Henry’s Stance on Refereeing Standards
Henry stated, “Do I understand the frustration? The way things unfolded affected the match outcome significantly.” He expressed concern that the quality of refereeing does not meet the standards expected in such a prestigious tournament. He remarked that these issues often stem from a lack of adequate training for officials.
Despite his criticism of the refereeing, Henry did not condone the Senegalese players’ reaction of wanting to leave the field. He believed this was not a good representation of sportsmanship, which reflects poorly on both African football and the sport as a whole.
Ongoing Investigations by CAF
The 2025 AFCON final was marred by controversies leading to the suspension of Senegalese head coach Pape Thiaw. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has initiated an investigation into the incidents surrounding the match, aiming to hold accountable those responsible.
Henry’s comments reflect a growing concern within football regarding officiating standards and their effect on game integrity. The issues raised during the AFCON final highlight the need for ongoing improvement in training for referees.
