Share this @internewscast.com

Football Australia is supporting Alireza Faghani after the referee was targeted online following his officiating of Iraq’s dramatic Asian Cup loss to Jordan.

Meanwhile a group of journalists that angrily confronted Iraq coach Jesus Casas in the post-match press conference have had their accreditations revoked and been slapped with bans by the Asian Football Confederation.

Iraq, who beat Japan on their way to finishing top of their group, had been in flying form in Qatar and appeared destined to reach the quarter-finals when Aymen Hussein gave them a 2-1 lead in the 76th minute.

Faghani gave the goal scorer a second yellow card for excessive celebrations.

Alireza Faghani has copped vile abuse on social media after Iraq's Asia Cup defeat

Alireza Faghani has copped vile abuse on social media after Iraq’s Asia Cup defeat

The Aussie referee sent Ayman Hussein off for a bizarre goal celebration

The Aussie referee sent Ayman Hussein off for a bizarre goal celebration

A 10-man Iraq were left fuming and were unable to hold on against Jordan, who scored in the 95th and 97th minutes to seal a dramatic 3-2 comeback win at Khalifa International Stadium.

After the match, Iranian referee Faghani, who has been based in Australia since late 2019 and is listed among Australia’s referees for the Asian Cup, was heavily blamed by Iraq fans online for their team’s defeat.

This included comments on social media, a petition calling for his suspension as a referee, and the posting of his personal details online.

Instagram also suspended his account after mass reports from Iraqi fans. 

‘The safety and wellbeing of all Football Australia staff and members of the Australian football community is our priority,’ FA said in a statement.

‘Football Australia is in constant contact with Alireza and is providing he and his family with all the support they require.

‘Football Australia is also working with e-Safety and relevant law enforcement agencies on this matter.’

Highly experienced referee Faghani is officiating at his fourth Asian Cup.

‘While the AFC does not comment on individual refereeing performances, we strongly condemn any form of threat, harassment, or disclosure of personal information targeting our referees, players, officials and all stakeholders,’ the organisation said.

The AFC added of the journalist bans: ‘The AFC strongly condemns any type of unruly and aggressive behaviour and takes a zero-tolerance stance against such actions.

The referee's Instagram account has reportedly been blocked due to reports from Iraq fans

The referee’s Instagram account has reportedly been blocked due to reports from Iraq fans

‘The AFC is deeply disappointed by the actions witnessed during the post-match press conference of the tie between Iraq and Jordan and have taken the swift decision to bar the responsible individuals from covering not only the (current) Asian Cup but also future AFC tournaments.’

The Iraq Football Association (IFA) lamented the scenes of Casas being harassed as more painful than their Asian Cup exit, and a ‘black mark’ on Iraqi media.

‘We denounce the blatant and abhorrent behaviour that occurred against the coach, and we confirm that we have decided not to deal with these media personnel who seek to cause chaos in the future,’ the IFA said.

‘And we will follow legal methods to restore the coach’s reputation, and approach the relevant authorities to explain what happened.’

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Tottenham Snatched Paul Gascoigne Away from Manchester United by Offering a House and a Sunbed

Transfers being hijacked is a story Tottenham bosses know all too well.…

Man Utd’s Unimpressive Celebration Plans for Possible Europa League Victory

Manchester United are only planning a “low key celebration” if they win…

Can You Identify the Error in Gary Lineker’s Last Match of the Day? Fans All Agree After Blunder Takes Internet by Storm

Eagle eyed viewers have highlighted a mistake on Gary Lineker’s final Match…

Tom Daley Discusses the ‘Shame’ of Being Told to Conceal His Marriage to Dustin Lance Black and Shares His Struggle with an Eating Disorder

Five-time Olympic medallist Tom Daley has revealed that he was advised to…

Bayern Munich Near Agreement with Player Sought by Barcelona, Man Utd, and Real Madrid

Bayern Munich is in advanced talks to acquire Bayer Leverkusen’s center-back, Jonathan…

Liverpool Transfer Update: Premier League Talent Poised to Join Florian Wirtz at Anfield, Insight Into Reds’ Massive Spending Power, and Dozen Players Possibly Departing

The wait for No 20 is over and Liverpool are Premier League…

Australian Footballer Mary Fowler’s Surprising Revelation Might Disappoint Matildas Supporters

Matildas star Mary Fowler has revealed she no longer considers football her…

Newcastle Star Callum Wilson Shares Struggles with Childhood Trauma and Recent Therapy Journey

Callum Wilson has revealed he contemplated taking his own life at the…

Trent Alexander-Arnold Gets Emotional During Liverpool’s Trophy Parade, Comforted by Mohamed Salah as He Bids Fans Goodbye Amid Contentious Departure

Trent Alexander-Arnold was reduced to tears for the second straight day as Liverpool…

Chelsea’s Conference League Victory: Blues Celebrate with Karaoke and WAGs After Winning – Mykhailo Mudryk Seen with a Winner’s Medal

Moises Caicedo was seen leading Chelsea’s celebrations as they Blues toasted their…