OM President Faces Legal Action After Corruption Allegations Against French Referees

Pablo Longoria's accusations following Marseille's defeat to Auxerre have prompted defamation lawsuits from the referees' union.

Pablo Longoria, president of Olympique de Marseille (OM), accused French referees of corruption after his team's 3-0 loss to Auxerre in Ligue 1.
The referees' union (SAFE) has strongly denied the allegations and announced plans to file defamation lawsuits against Longoria and others responsible for threats and hate messages against referees.
Longoria's comments were triggered by key decisions in the match, including a red card for Derek Cornelius and a penalty awarded to Auxerre, which he described as unjust.
OM had previously expressed concerns about referee Jérémy Stinat's appointment, citing his role in a prior controversial match involving the team.
The incident has reignited tensions between OM and French football authorities, with potential disciplinary consequences looming for Longoria.