Sérgio Conceição furious with referee after Al Nassr defeat Ronaldo absent

Al Nassr, managed by Jorge Jesus, defeated Al-Ittihad, led by Sérgio Conceição, 2-0 on Friday in a Saudi league match. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from the Al Nassr lineup for this 21st-round fixture.

Controversial Match and Post-Game Reactions

The match was immediately followed by strong reactions from Al-Ittihad’s manager, Sérgio Conceição, who openly expressed his frustration with the officiating crew, headed by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic. Conceição reportedly confronted the referee before leaving the pitch.

Disputed Penalties

During a post-match press conference, Conceição voiced his belief that two clear penalty kicks were not awarded to his team. He specifically cited handball incidents involving French player Mohamed Simakan and Brazilian player Ângelo as the missed calls.

Did You Know? Cristiano Ronaldo has been absent for two consecutive matches under Jorge Jesus, both resulting in Al Nassr victories.

Conceição described the game as balanced between two strong teams, but stated, “Unfortunately, the referee’s decisions altered its course.” He also emphasized his team’s preparation and competitive spirit, adding, “I think those who understand football understand that it was a very competitive game. It was one of the best games of the team.”

Strategic Considerations and Benzema’s Absence

Conceição acknowledged a potential tactical advantage for Al Nassr but stated it was anticipated. He also pointed to a contested call involving a corner kick and a subsequent penalty awarded to Al Nassr as pivotal moments. He characterized these incidents as “unfortunate” and “recurrently” happening to his team.

When questioned about the recent departure of forward Karim Benzema to Al Hilal, Conceição offered a concise response: “Karim is not part of our team.”

Expert Insight: A manager’s public criticism of officiating, while not uncommon, carries the risk of potential disciplinary action from league authorities. Conceição’s strong statements suggest a deep dissatisfaction with the perceived impact of the refereeing on the match outcome.

Conceição stated he would not be contacting the refereeing commission, preferring to simply state the facts as he saw them. He expressed hope that the team would receive similar support in their next important match on Tuesday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the match?

Al Nassr defeated Al-Ittihad 2-0.

Who was the referee for the match?

The referee was Slavko Vincic of Slovenia.

Was Cristiano Ronaldo involved in the match?

Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from the Al Nassr lineup.

How will Al-Ittihad respond to this defeat and the manager’s criticism as they move forward in the Saudi league?