Lille President Confronts Referee Over Early Red Card as Rennes Win 2-0

Overview

• Referee Éric Wattellier sent off Lille defender Alexsandro in the 13th minute for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
• Wattellier explained on Ligue 1+ that the attacker had control, was heading toward goal, and was close enough to warrant a red card at any minute of a match.
• Lille president Olivier Létang berated the referee at halftime on the broadcast, renewing scrutiny after prior sanctions for criticizing officials.
• Coach Bruno Génésio moved toward Wattellier during the interval before players intervened, then skipped the post‑match press conference.
• Rennes won 2-0 at Pierre-Mauroy, as other Lille figures, including Thomas Meunier, criticized the officiating during a weekend of wider refereeing disputes in Ligue 1.