Incensed Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu has again risked the wrath of the UAE Football Association after declaring his side “played a game” against the referee last night, as well as Al Ain.
An uneventful heavyweight Arabian Gulf League clash exploded past the 90-minute mark when Red Knights striker Carlos Munoz was felled in the penalty box by Ismail Ahmed, only for referee Yaqoub Qaseem Al Hammadi to wave away the appeals and issue a second yellow card for diving.
Olaroiu and his technical staff were vociferous in their protests, the boss sent to the stands after engaging in a heated argument with the officials.
The Romanian has endured constant battles with authorities since making a controversial switch between Ahli and Al Ain in the summer of 2013, a six-month ban being reduced on appeal.
He spoke of unspecified “problems” holding back his side prior to last night’s 1-1 draw, and this stance emerged once more post-match.
“It was a very entertaining game but in the end it was spoiled,” the 45 year old said. “They scored against us then we played a game against captain Yaqoub [the referee].
“We were able to draw but Yaqoub was able to keep the score as it was. I do not think it was a coincidence. The players did their best. They ran, they tried, they showed spirit. There were five referees today and they were not able to see a foul or a clear mistake. There was a penalty that was not given.”
He added: “If everything went well on the field then maybe the final result would not be the same. The referee stopped one of our counter-attacks and gave a foul for us, stoppages happened a lot of times when we were attacking.
“This is the situation, we have to accept it. But I will not give up, I will continue.”
When asked if he had any solution to the issue, Olaroiu came up with a novel idea.
He added: “I will be the referee, I will make the right decision. If I was the referee and this happened against my team I would have given a penalty.
“It was a penalty and not a red card. Explain what Munoz did?
“He will not be able to play the next game now he has been sent off.”