Soccer
Luis Enrique declined to criticise referee Francois Letexier for not sending off Monaco defender Wilfried Singo on Wednesday after a dangerous challenge left Paris Saint-Germain keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a gashed face.
PSG came back from 2-1 down to win 4-2 at Monaco, but they had to replace Donnarumma 22 minutes in after Singo’s studs-up challenge left a number of nasty gashes on the goalkeeper’s face.
Singo had been booked a few minutes previously, but French media reported that the referee saw the contact as incidental, rather than deliberate, and allowed him to remain on the field. Donnarumma, however, could not continue after receiving treatment, with reserve goalkeeper Matvey Safonov going on in his place.
“The refereeing decisions? I can’t do anything, I couldn’t see the action, but when you see an action like that it’s always difficult,” Luis Enrique told Bein Sports.
“The players don’t intend to hurt. It’s difficult to referee this kind of match, I’m not talking about the refereeing work.”
Medical update concerning Gianluigi Donnarumma. @Aspetarhttps://t.co/ZBLI9wzFu2
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) December 18, 2024
Following the game, PSG confirmed Donnarumma would undergo medical examinations on Thursday, putting him in doubt for their Coupe de France tie against Lens on Sunday.
Despite going 2-1 behind in the second half, PSG bounced back with a goal from Goncalo Ramos and a brace from Ousmane Dembele to extend their unbeaten run in the league this season to 16 games.
PSG enter the Christmas break top of the table on 40 points, 10 clear of nearest rivals Marseille and Monaco.
“The objective was achieved. It was a difficult match, we weren’t up to par at all times, they knew how to come back and take the lead, but I’m happy with the result,” Luis Enrique added.
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