Over 700,000 fans petition to suspend ref Alireza Faghani for harsh calls in Iraq-Jordan match
Iraq’s Aymen Hussein is sent off after receiving a second yellow card for his goal celebration. Photo: Xinhua/Shutterstock
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Supporters of the Iraqi football team were disheartened by AFC Asian Cup outcome against Jordan.
In a recent match held in Qatar, the Iraqi team’s joy turned to frustration when referee Alireza Faghani handed a red card to striker Aymen Hussein during a goal celebration.
The referee’s inconsistency became apparent as he ignored a parallel celebration by the Jordanian team, raising doubts and discontent among supporters.
Faghani’s decision had serious consequences, as Iraq’s 2-3 loss to Jordan meant that it was out of the competition.
Several supporters and sports experts have voiced their displeasure with this unjust treatment, calling for an investigation into this issue to maintain the integrity of football games.
More than 700,000 people signed a petition to suspend Faghani for his actions in the match between Iraq and Jordan, which they see as unfair.
The Iraq Football Association (IFA) has officially complained to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Organizing Committee about the Iranian-Australian referee.
The IFA claims it has provided the organizing committee with its supporting documentation and claims Faghani was unjust in assigning two yellow cards to the Iraqi player, Aymen Hussein, during the match.
After Hussein was sent off, Jordan took advantage of the situation, scored two goals, and advanced to the next round.
Hussein’s 70-second celebration, which included sitting down on the field and acting like he was eating, was followed by Faghani’s second yellow card.