Abdelatif Kherradji
In the often noisy world of refereeing, some profiles stand out for their discretion. Abdelatif Kherradji, one of the relatively new faces of Ligue 1, is among them. Far from the loud controversies, he has carved his path, and for OM, his record is so far impeccable. Portrait of an efficient referee who deserves recognition.
Identity Card — To Remember
Abdelatif Kherradji is a French referee who made his debut in Ligue 1 during the 2021-2022 season. Affiliated with the French Football Federation, he doesn't have international experience with a FIFA badge but has quickly integrated at the highest national level. Forget the tales of heated "Classicos"; Kherradji is a rising referee whose style is based on calmness and communication rather than overwhelming authority.
What the People of Marseille Say
Since he has not yet been at the center of major controversies with OM, Abdelatif Kherradji does not stir passions on social media. Fans who know him generally describe him as a composed and consistent referee.
The "Happy Medium": This is the prevailing impression. He is neither lenient, allowing the game to get out of control, nor a "sheriff" who pulls out cards at the slightest opportunity. He seeks balance, letting the game flow when possible and penalizing when necessary. This moderate approach is often praised.
A Referee Who Communicates: Unlike some of his more austere colleagues, he is often seen interacting with players. He does not hesitate to explain his decisions, which helps to diffuse tension. This pedagogical approach is an appreciated trait.
OM’s History with This Referee
Abdelatif Kherradji's actual history with OM is quite different from the fiction that might have been presented. His encounters with the club are few but marked by complete success for the Phocaeans. For now, he is a true good luck charm.
| Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-26 | Stade Brestois | Home | W 2-0 | Controlled match with only 2 yellow cards. |
| 2022-12-29 | Toulouse FC | Home | W 6-1 | An offensive festival managed without any controversy. |
| 2022-09-30 | Angers SCO | Away | W 3-0 | A clear victory, with refereeing that facilitated play. |
The record is unequivocal: three matches, three victories, 11 goals scored, 1 conceded. Far from tales of bitter defeats and red cards, the reality is one of refereeing that accompanied OM's clear and clean victories.
Trends That Matter for OM
Abdelatif Kherradji's style is reflected in his statistics. He is among the most lenient referees in Ligue 1. His average number of yellow cards is one of the lowest in the championship, often falling below 3.5 per match. He clearly favors prevention over sanction.
For OM, this is excellent news. His refereeing is conducive to offensive and technical play. He doesn't break the rhythm and allows talents to express themselves. He is a referee who trusts players and only intervenes in clear cases of fouls, which perfectly fits the style of play advocated at the Vélodrome.
VAR & Tense Matches
In the three matches he has officiated with OM, the VAR has not had to intervene on major contentious situations. His approach seems to be to make the right decision on the field to avoid relying on video assistance. He uses it as a confirmation tool, without overusing it.
He has not yet had the opportunity to referee a highly tense OM match (a "Classique," a derby, or a decisive match for the title). His ability to manage extreme pressure remains to be assessed. However, his initial performances have shown great serenity and the ability to stay in control of the situation.
What to Expect in the Next Match
When Abdelatif Kherradji is appointed for an OM match, fans can expect a game of football. Prepare for an encounter where play will be king, where contacts will be judged with discernment, and where dialogue will prevail over confrontation.
For our players, this is an invitation to focus on their performance. With him, there's no need to fear fussy or unpredictable refereeing. It's an opportunity to continue the perfect record. Let's hope the streak continues!