TEHRAN (Iran News) – Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor coach Pieter Huistra says that dismissal of Jaloliddin Masharipov against Persepolis killed off the match.
Pakhtakor had only conceded two goals in the competition prior to Wednesday, but the dismissal of the talisman following a VAR-reviewed incident just 15 minutes into the Persepolis game was a turning point for them, according to Huistra.
“If you speak about the game, you speak about the first 15 minutes. The red card kills off the match, especially when you then go 1-0 down,” said Huistra.
“We tried to make substitutions and bring in new energy, but when you get yourself in the situation to get a red card, then it becomes very difficult to win this type of matches.
“I spoke to Masharipov after the game and, naturally, he feels responsible. He is one of the captains and stars of the team and he always wants to do well,” he added.
“If you look at the whole tournament, the players worked hard, played well and it fills me with optimism for the future,” Huistra stated.
- source : Tasnim, Iran News
