CAIRO: Ahly technical staff members were left infuriated by the referee’s decisions in the team’s 3-0 defeat to AS Roma in Wednesday’s friendly game.
The Red Devils’ coach Manuel Jose rushed towards Yasser Abdel-Raouf right after the final whistle to protest against his controversial decisions.
Assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri was equally unhappy with Abdel-Raouf’s performance.
“The referee tarnished the friendly atmosphere through his weird decisions, Al-Badri told the post-match press conference.
“Almost all of his decisions went against us, I don’t know why.
Television replays showed that Mauro Esposito’s first-half opener for Roma shouldn’t have stood after the ball crossed the byline in the build-up.
“(Brazilian full back) Cicinho admitted after the match that the ball crossed the line just before he whipped in his cross, Ahly keeper Amir Abdel-Hamid said.
“He also told me that he was surprised that the referee allowed the goal.
Ahly also protested against Abdel-Raouf’s decision to award Roma a late penalty after Sayed Moawad allegedly brought down Edgar Alvarez inside the area.
Chilean midfielder David Pizarro converted the resulting penalty, making it 3-0 for Luciano Spalletti’s men.
Ahly goalkeeping coach Ahmed Nagi said the match shouldn’t have been assigned to Abdel-Raouf.
“Problems always occur every time Abdel-Raouf officiate a match for us, he told Ahly channel after the game.
“Given those past problems, why did Abdel-Raouf take charge of our friendly game against Roma?
“The referee stirred tensions through his controversial and weird decisions, Nagi added.
