The head coach of Tractor football team said: In the penalty incident, a challenge for possession of the ball took place, and VAR made a very strict decision. Given the circumstances we had, that penalty was like ice water on the team's body.

According to the official media of Tractor Club, Mohammad Rabiei stated in the press conference after the match against Shabab Al-Ahli of the UAE: I congratulate both teams and say well done to my own players. Given the circumstances we had, we fought bravely and played with discipline, especially in the first half. Our team faced special conditions in this match; we had no training for 40 days, we traveled a long distance, and we only held two training sessions.

He continued: We tried to manage the game and proceed with the right strategy. We had a good performance in the first half and missed several chances that should have been goals. The second half continued with the same rhythm until a gap was created between the lines and our goalkeeper was sent off. For a team that is down to ten men and is not in ideal physical condition, continuing the game is very difficult.

Rabiei noted: After the red card, the pressure of the game increased and the referee awarded a very strict penalty that changed the course of the game. While the game was 1-0, we tried to get back into the match and took risks in the last 15 minutes to level the game, but the opponent used the space behind our defense and scored more goals.

He added: I thank all the team members and my players. In these difficult circumstances, they tried with all their might, fought, and put in energy. If the circumstances were not like this, certainly a different result would have been achieved. I also congratulate the opposing team on their victory.

The head coach of Tractor, regarding the impact of the refereeing decisions on the course of the game, said: It was certainly impactful. I will not comment on whether the decisions were correct or incorrect, and experts must give their opinions. In the penalty incident, a challenge for possession of the ball took place, and VAR made a very strict decision. Given the circumstances we had, that penalty was like ice water on the team's body.

Rabiei said in conclusion: I thank all the fans and the people of Iran and apologize that we could not win, but they should know that our players did everything they could for the success of the team.

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Rabiei: The penalty was like ice water on the team's body

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