The Algerian Football Federation has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the refereeing decisions in their 3-0 defeat to Argentina at the World Cup opener. Algeria’s officials believe referee Szymon Marciniak made several contentious calls that went against their team.
Two incidents in particular have drawn criticism from the Algerian side. The first occurred in the 32nd minute when Lionel Messi stepped on the shin of Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi, an offense they argue warranted a straight red card. The second controversial moment came in the 74th minute, as Alexis Mac Allister struck Ibrahim Maza with an elbow to the face but escaped any disciplinary action.
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