PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) triumphed 4-2 against AS Monaco on Wednesday, but the match will largely be remembered for the controversial injury suffered by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The incident unfolded early when Monaco defender Wilfried Singo made a studs-up challenge on Donnarumma, resulting in visible injuries and leading to his substitution after just 22 minutes.
PSG coach Luis Enrique chose not to criticize referee François Letexier for not sending off Singo following the incident. Enrique stated, “The refereeing decisions? I can’t do anything, I couldn’t see the action, but when you see an action like this, it’s always difficult.” Although Singo had been previously cautioned, Letexier viewed the contact as incidental rather than intentional, allowing Singo to remain on the field.
After receiving treatment, Donnarumma was replaced by reserve goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. The match report indicates the urgency of the situation, noting the cuts on the goalkeeper's face from the clash. Despite going down 2-1, PSG rallied thanks to goals from Gonçalo Ramos and Ousmane Dembélé, extending their unbeaten run to 16 matches this season. Luis Enrique reflected on the match’s challenges yet acknowledged the team’s successful comeback.
Adding to the drama, the refereeing decisions surrounding Donnarumma’s injury have sparked widespread debate. Critics have pointed out inconsistencies, particularly when compared to previous matches where similar incidents resulted in red cards, such as Amine Harit’s dismissal earlier this season for contact deemed dangerous.
The discussion intensified on social media after Letexier did not issue any card to Singo for the challenge. Many players and fans were perplexed, with PSG midfielder Gonçalo Ramos remarking, “I don’t know how this isn't a red card. They need to protect players, and tonight Donnarumma wasn’t protected.” Ramos's sentiment was echoed by club captain Marquinhos, who questioned the role of VAR, stating, “If VAR is there, it should intervene.”
During post-match press conferences, Enrique sought to downplay the controversy, indicating he held no harsh opinions on officiation, insisting, “These are always difficult decisions to judge.” Following the match, Donnarumma was reported to require stitches, placing his availability for the upcoming matches, including their Coupe de France fixture against Lens, under threat.
On the other side, Monaco coach Adi Hütter extended his apologies to Donnarumma, ensuring the incident was unintentional. Hütter commented, “I was too far away... it was not intentional on the part of Wilfried Singo; he intended to jump over him.” He emphasized the challenges players and referees face during high-intensity matches.
Reactions from fans and former players have highlighted the growing concern about player safety and the accountability of referees. Ligue 1 goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier expressed his discontent through social media following the match, sharing images of Singo’s action and asking, “No red?”
While PSG sits firmly at the top of the league standings with 40 points, the discussions surrounding the refereeing on Wednesday night continue to build tension. Supporters, players, and coaches alike hope for more consistent officiation as the season progresses. With more fixtures approaching after the holiday break, the scrutiny on the referees' performances only amplifies.
Clearly, incidents like these leave much to ponder about the definition of fair play and the measures needed to protect players on the pitch. With growing calls for the introduction of more stringent measures and potentially video review adjustments, the discussion is far from over.
