The Algerian warrior's anger.. Maza accuses the referee of disrespect and losing control in the six goal summit

Algeria international Ibrahim Maza has launched a fierce criticism of referee Benjamin Brand following Bayer Leverkusen's 4-2 defeat against Stuttgart on Saturday 31 October accusing the official of losing control of the match and treating players disrespectfully.

The 20 year old midfielder expressed his frustration during a post match interview with Sky Sport Germany, despite scoring Leverkusen's second goal in the Bundesliga encounter at the BayArena.

According to German newspaper BILD, Maza was particularly upset by Brand's communication with players and several controversial refereeing decisions.

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Ibrahim Maza reveals heated confrontation with referee

Speaking after the final whistle, Maza accused Brand of failing to control an increasingly physical encounter between the two Bundesliga sides.

"The referee had nothing under control" the Algerian international complained.

Maza stressed that he generally respects match officials but considered Saturday's performance unacceptable.

His strongest criticism concerned the way Brand allegedly addressed him during the game.

According to Maza, the referee repeatedly raised his voice while refusing to allow players to approach him for explanations.

The midfielder revealed that he directly challenged the official's behaviour, telling him: "Speak to me normally!"

However, Maza claimed Brand continued shouting despite his request.

He also alleged that the referee dismissed his attempts to communicate before approaching him again.

The incident left the Algerian visibly frustrated, with Maza questioning why players were expected to maintain respectful communication if the same standards were not applied by officials.

Eight yellow cards and controversial decisions

Saturday's match featured several heated confrontations, with referee Brand issuing eight yellow cards.

Maza himself received a booking in the 53rd minute after pulling Stuttgart captain Atakan Karazor's shirt.

The Algerian also questioned several decisions during the second half, particularly an incident preceding Stuttgart's fourth goal.

Maza believed a foul had occurred during the build up, but play continued and Ermedin Demirovic eventually scored.

He also criticised the handling of video assistant referee decisions.

However, no official ruling has established that the decisions criticised by Maza were incorrect.

Despite his complaints, the midfielder acknowledged that Stuttgart had been more effective in front of goal and that Leverkusen had conceded avoidable goals.

His comments therefore focused on both the refereeing performance and his team's inability to match Stuttgart's efficiency.

Maza scores despite Leverkusen's disappointing defeat

The controversy overshadowed another impressive individual performance from Maza.

Leverkusen fell behind through goals from Demirovic and Jamie Leweling before Patrik Schick reduced the deficit in the 28th minute.

Morocco international Bilal El Khannouss restored Stuttgart's two goal advantage shortly after half-time, before Demirovic completed his brace in the 65th minute.

Maza eventually scored in the 79th minute, heading home Miguel Gutierrez's cross at the far post.

It was the first headed league goal of the Algerian's career.

As Foot Africa previously reported, Maza and El Khannouss both scored during the six goal encounter, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of two North African internationals.

Maza's goal took his Bundesliga tally to three for the season, matching his league total from the previous campaign after just eight rounds.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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