“We Lost to the Referee” – Steven Gerrard Furious on Red Card Decision After Losing to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr are back on the news headlines after their most recent game. Just hours ago, the Portuguese superstar played the R016 fixture of the King’s Cup against Al Ettifaq. While the match ended in favor of CR7 and Co., a referee’s red card decision on an Al Ettifaq player has left manager Steven Gerrard furious, who claims that his player committed a ‘tactical professional foul’.

Meanwhile, the winning streak continues for Al Nassr. Aside from advancing to the next stage of the competition, they continue to rally for the top spot in the league.

Steven Gerrard frustrated over referee’s red card call

Last night’s King’s Cup fixture between Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq ended in quite a drama. Both sides struggled to clinch a goal until the 90th minute, as the match went to extra time. Al Nassr was down to 10 men after Talisca was sent off just before halftime. But the red cards didn’t stop there, as just before the end of 90 minutes, Al Etiffaq’s Ali Hazazi was also given marching orders.

Sadly, this proved costly for the away side as Sadio Mane clinched a winning goal in the 108th minute. Following the match, Al Etiffaq boss Steven Gerrard vocally expressed his feelings about the incident. While congratulating Al Nassr for the win, he moved forward by slamming the referee. He said, “We haven’t lost to Al Nassr; we lost to the referee, unfortunately. I signed professionally in 1997, and I have never seen a decision as bad as that.”

While quoting his experience, Gerrard insisted the challenge from Ali Hazazi was a “tactical professional foul” and wasn’t malicious to the opponent. “That is not a red card. In any game of football in any country at any level, it’s a yellow card. Fact,” he added. Gerrard also pointed out that the opposition player continuing on the pitch proves it was a professional foul.

In conclusion, the Liverpool icon stated that it’s a big concern that the referee took the decision due to the reaction of Al Nassr players. Certainly, these are some bold claims from the former Aston Villa manager. Nevertheless, it’s the end of Al Ettifaq’s journey in the competition. Meanwhile, Al Nassr’s dressing room must be impressed by their winning streak.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. continue their top season

Al Nassr continues to find its winning ways. The Riyadh-based club is working tirelessly to keep their winning streak alive. While they are in the next stage of the competition for the King’s Cup, domination in the AFC Champions League is in full swing. Aside from this, Luis Castro’s side is enjoying the second spot in the Roshn Saudi League and is four points behind rivals Al Hilal.

READ MORE: Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2 Goals, Angry Al Nassr Boss Luis Castro Fumes at Players Over Laziness & Issues Warning

Furthermore, star player and skipper Ronaldo is enjoying a decent season so far. The Portuguese superstar is currently leading the charts in the Saudi Pro League with 11 goals and six assists. Additionally, he has also scored three goals in the AFC Champions League. Indeed, the remarkable form of Al Nassr and Ronaldo continues. Let’s see if it stays that way.

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