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Mosimane Blasts Referee After Dubious Calls 

  • December 4, 2024
  • 3 min read
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Mosimane Blasts Referee After Dubious Calls 

Esteghlal FC coach Pitso Mosimane has slammed the referee for questionable penalty decisions in Monday’s clash against his former Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite at King Abdullah Sports City. 

Mosimane’s charges played out to a 2-2 draw against the star-studded Jeddah-based side after both his team’s goals were canceled out by ex-Brentford striker Ivan Toney from the spot, leaving the South African tactician frustrated. 

Furthermore, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly mentor’s anger was fueled by a red card that saw his troops reduced to 10 men in the latter stages, setting up a nail-biting grand finale as Esteghlal held out for a point. 

“I would not like to talk about the referee, I think I still have to check again on the video. To reduce us to play with 10 men against eleven here [in Saudi] is not easy, and also two penalties here is not easy, ” said a visibly dejected Mosimane 

“I was afraid that he was going to give the third one because Al Ahli is a big team with big stars who have capabilities to score, they don’t need penalties to score. I’m not happy that my referee didn’t look at the VAR for the second penalty. 

“Why didn’t he check? Because it’s a very difficult situation to judge with your eye but there’s only a VAR on the red card but the second penalty why doesn’t he check? There’s 11 people inside [the box], in front of the goalkeeper, ” he continued. 

The 60-year-old coach went on to urge the referee to reflect on the decisions he believes cost his charges maximum points after putting up a courageous fight away from home although he remains grateful for walking away unbeaten. 

“You cannot see with your eye, but he decided that he is giving penalties and giving us a red card, he decided. I think he’s a professional, he’s not a bad referee, to be honest, but I think he’s going to check his game because he’s a professional, ” Mosimane added. 

“He must check his game so that he can see if he made the right decisions. It’s very sad for us because we believe that we could have won, but Alhamdulillah we got one point, it’s okay and that’s it.” 

Esteghlal is currently in eighth place in the 12-team league format with five points accumulated after six matches played and will now turn their attention to the Persian Gulf Pro League where they are set to visit Foolad on Saturday.

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Hlayisani Magoro

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