This must refer to the Bangalore crash. PF wanted autothrust in speed mode, but left PNF's F/D enabled. PNF noticed the mistake and pointed it out, but neither pilot corrected it. PNF (check captain) probably wanted to teach PF a lesson, but underestimated the danger this put them into.
Some (again including Asseline) have criticised the "both F/Ds off" logic as non-intuitive.
Besides the fact they were descending in "open descent" mode away from the FCU set altitude...when they finally went TOGA, it simply didn't spool up in time
http://flightsafety.org/ap/ap_jan94.pdf
total confusion....automation mismanagement....lack of experience and understanding of operational procedures...