KUALA LUMPUR: Kuching City coach Aidil Sharin Sahak said he would lose money if he spoke his mind about the referee in their match today.
Aidil admttied he had much to say about the match officiating after his team lost 3-2 to Brunei’s DPMM at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in the FA Cup round of 16 first leg.
Much of the post-match chatter centred not on the goals, but on the referee’s calls.
Aidil said there were moments he wanted to speak his mind about the referee, but he decided not to.
“If I comment, my pocket will be gone (coaches get fined for criticising referees) to the MFL,” he said.
“So why waste my money? But of course, things have to improve because the league is getting more professional.
“For me, after I looked at a photo from my media, it’s very clear… but in the end, it’s over, we have to move on.”
DPMM captain Azwan Ali Rahman opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before Wanja Ronaldo Ngah levelled for Kuching just before the break.
Kuching’s James Okwuosa fired the visitors ahead seconds into the second half, but Miguel Oliveira struck back quickly for DPMM. Substitute Jordan Murray’s 79th-minute goal gave the hosts the lead.
Kuching had a chance to eqaulise in the dying minutes when the referee awarded a penalty. But Gabriel Nistelrooy Tamin’s shot was saved by Kristijan Naumovski.
DPMM coach Jamie McAllister said: “The boys showed great character and spirit. We’re new to the league, still adapting, but we battled, and that’s what fans want to see.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
