The saga continues in the wake of the aftermath of the FIFA World Cup game between Algeria and Cameroon in Blida. Cameroon qualified ahead of host Algeria who still can not stop finding excuses to their defeat. Algeria’s coach Djamel Belmadi in an interview that went viral was seen instigating some very offensive and strong words towards the Gambian referee BakaryGassama and to African football in general.
Djamel Belmadi’s statements are not going down well. Reactions are coming from everywhere. On Wednesday, the Gambian Football Federation (GFF) has responded to the coach of the Fennecs. The latter had attacked the Gambian referee Bakary Gassama. Through its networks, the GFF has condemned such allegations.
After denouncing the comments made by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), the Gambian Federation counterattacks. “The GFF has lodged a formal complaint to the Algerian Football Federation on this matter and has formally requested FIFA and CAF to open investigations and disciplinary proceedings against the head coach of the Algerian national football team, Mr Djamel Belmadi, for his remarks on a video clip and on Algerian television,” the body said.
The Gambian Federation wants an apology
Far from stopping there, the GFF wants the Algerian Federation to make amends. ” We have also asked the Algerian federation to make a public statement condemning the actions of Mr. Belmadi and all verbal attacks against Mr. Gassama by Algerians and to take all necessary precautions to restrain their officials and nationals from making further negative remarks and threats against the person of Mr. Gassama. Otherwise, their federation will be held responsible and complicit in any harm that may befall him,” reads the Gambian Federation’s publication.
In conclusion, the Gambian Federation wants to “ensure that they are in constant contact with Papa Bakary Gassama, and that all security precautions are in place to keep him away from risks when he returns home after a mission abroad.
Oumar NDONGO
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
