The Smell Of “Racism” In Oukija’s Five-Match Ban

The local disciplinary committee overstated its penalty against the Algerian international goalkeeper, Alexandre Oukidja, French FC Metz coach, Frédéric Antonetti, said on Friday.

“I wonder here about the reason for the double standard and the way to punish the players of some clubs compared to others in other clubs. I am not against penalties, but judgments should be fair”, Frédéric Antonetti explained in a press conference the details which were reported in the French media.

Metz’s coach added that the club management would not appeal to the French League’s Disciplinary Committee to reduce Alexandre Oukidja’s punishment.

On Thursday evening, the French League’s Disciplinary Committee imposed a four-match ban against the Algerian goalkeeper Alexander Oukidja, while the ban on the fifth match is suspended.

The 32-year-old was shown a red card towards the end of Wednesday’s league defeat against Angers.

The Algeria international was involved in an altercation with Ivory Coast’s Souleyman Doumbia in the 92nd minute of Wednesday’s game which resulted in his expulsion, while the defender received a yellow card.

Metz’s Algerian goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja has been given a five-game suspension in Ligue 1 after he was sent off in stoppage-time of their 1-0 loss to Angers.

Oukidja’s punishment is expected to start this weekend when Metz visit Ligue 2 club Valenciennes for their French Cup Round of 16 clash on Saturday.

Because of this penalty, Alexander Oukidja will be absent from official matches with his team, FC Metz, until April, 10, when the Maroons host leaders Lille for a Ligue 1 match at the Stade Saint-Symphorien.

The 32-year-old has been a regular fixture in Frederic Antonetti’s team this season, having played in all but one of their league matches so far.

Oukidja’s contributions between the sticks have helped Metz surge on the Ligue 1 table and they currently sit sixth with 41 points from 28 games – three points adrift of the European qualifying spots.