MONACO — In a notable incident during the first leg of the Champions League playoff against Benfica on Wednesday, Monaco’s midfielder Al Musrati received a controversial red card from referee Maurizio Mariani shortly after the halftime break. At the time, Monaco was already behind by a goal from striker Vangelis Pavlidis, ultimately leading to their 1-0 defeat in the match.

Mariani issued Musrati a second yellow card in the 52nd minute, seemingly prompted by Musrati’s reaction after Alvaro Carreras had fouled Monaco’s forward Breel Embolo. Carreras’ push against Embolo, as they tussled for the ball, resulted in a foul awarded to Monaco.

Television footage indicated that Musrati had gestured with his right hand, possibly in an attempt to argue for a yellow card to be issued to Carreras—an action that can lead to a yellow card itself. Although Musrati did not display aggression or verbally confront the referee in a significant way, Mariani wasted no time in issuing the second yellow card, much to the dismay of the Libyan international.

Following the match, Monaco’s coach Adi Hütter expressed his frustration regarding the officiating, arguing that Musrati remained composed throughout the encounter. Hütter was also displeased with a late yellow card given to captain Denis Zakaria, which will cause him to miss the return leg the following Tuesday.

“I didn’t witness him walking up to the referee. The only comment I could recall was him perhaps saying, ‘It could be a yellow card,’” remarked Hütter. “While we understand that these are the rules, his behavior was not aggressive. Additionally, Zakaria’s second yellow card leading to his suspension is excessive.”

Krépin Diatta, Monaco’s left back, shared Hütter’s sentiments, indicating that the card shown to Musrati was unjust. “It’s clear to see,” he stated. “He was calm and not confrontational with the referee. Sometimes, the reactions are simply too harsh.”