An Algerian sports analyst claimed that the “Jewish lobby” was behind a controversial refereeing decision in favor of Lionel Messi in a World Cup game last week.
In Argentina’s group stage 3-0 win against Algeria on Tuesday, Messi was responsible for all three goals, recording a hat-trick in what will seemingly be his last major international tournament.
In the 30th minute of play, however, as Argentina was ahead by one goal, Messi tackled Algeria’s Aissa Mandi, appearing to step on the center-back’s calf, and Polish referee Szymon Marciniak awarded a free-kick.
Despite complaints from Algeria’s team and fans, no yellow or red card was shown, despite many considering the foul egregious enough to warrant punishment.
After the game, Algeria filed an official complaint with FIFA, alleging poor refereeing in that incident along with another controversial second-half call.
Analyst blamed anti-Palestinian sentiment for poor performances
After the game, Algerian sports analyst Mustafa Mazzouzi said, in a domestic TV broadcast, that a “Jewish lobby” stood behind the favoritism he ascribed to Messi.
“Messi is protected,” he said.
“Messi is protected by the Jewish lobby. This lobby controls the world, they run it however they want as if they were the mafia. [FIFA President] Infantino doesn’t want us to do well.”
“We are a country with dignity, we are a country named Algeria. We have political stances regarding Western Sahara and the Palestinian issue, and therefore they don’t want us to do well. If we had the ability to win the World Cup, they would prevent it from us,” he said during the broadcast.
Algeria, which has games against Jordan and Austria remaining, will require higher-than-expected results in order to qualify for the Round of 32.
