Algerian football player Youssef Belaili, from the Mouloudia Club of Algiers, captured the attention of millions of football fans in recent hours after he assaulted the match referee during the game between his team and Wydad Tlemcen in the quarter-finals of the Algerian Cup.
The most controversial player in the Algerian league for the 2023-2024 season ignited a storm of debate on social media on Sunday when he protested against referee Ghada Mahat, especially after demanding a penalty. However, Mahat's refusal to grant him the penalty seemingly angered Belaili, prompting him to shout at her and protest. This led the referee to issue him a yellow card, but he attempted to dissuade her with his hands, trying to grab her to stop her from showing the card. The scene concluded with her raising the yellow card in his face.
**Not the First Time**
Although this is not the first time Belaili has gotten into disputes with referees, the reason this incident has sparked controversy is that the referee was a woman, following the introduction of female referees in Algerian league matches at the start of this season. The video of Belaili with referee Ghada Mahat circulated widely on social media, especially as it involved the most popular team in Algeria, the leading candidate for the league title due to its significant lead in the standings.
Many condemned Belaili's actions, including former player Tarik Goul from Union Alger, who stated, "Belaili is known in Africa, not just Algeria, for trying to deceive referees in the penalty area. The technical staff of Mouloudia should speak to him." He added, "I wonder why he does this every time, as he receives gratuitous cards."
Former Mouloudia player Mustafa Mazza suggested that the club management should intervene in such situations, similar to how the management of ES Sétif issued a statement followed by disciplinary actions against players involved in a previous fight regarding a penalty kick.
Others criticized Belaili's controversial behavior not only for his assault on the referee but also because she was a woman. One person commented in a Facebook post: "It is unacceptable to assault a woman. True, he is used to attacking male referees, but this time he should have thought twice." Another added, "Belaili has crossed all limits by assaulting a woman; he has done everything wrong."
At the same time, some urged not to mix the nature of the assault on the referee, which is an condemnable act, with the fact that the referee was a woman, as the idea of involving women in refereeing aims to achieve equality between men and women, and treating them differently would undermine this goal.
