Paris Saint-Germain draws 2-2 against Lille amid referee controversy

Paris Saint-Germain sparked controversy in France after securing a 2-2 draw against Lille following a disputed stoppage-time goal. Trailing 2-0 until the 90th minute, PSG managed to equalize twice during added time, with captain Marquinhos scoring the final equalizer in the 94th minute and 10th second.

The controversy stems from referee Eric Valetier’s management of stoppage time. While three minutes of added time were indicated, the decisive goal occurred well beyond that mark. Lille captain Benjamin André criticized the decision, arguing that even a few seconds can determine a match outcome and that referees must strictly adhere to the time they announce.

Conversely, Lille midfielder Nabil Bentaleb suggested the referee had informed players of an additional minute due to an injury to Lille goalkeeper Bertelli Ozier. Despite this potential extension, the goal still occurred ten seconds after the fourth minute of stoppage time had concluded. The French media, including L’Équipe, has heavily scrutinized the officiating.