Second-placed Ahli experienced a chaotic end to Saturday’s 1-0 triumph against Sharjah. They were denied a clear penalty in the 89th minute when centre-back
Abdulla Ahmed scythed down UAE full-back Abdulaziz Sanqour, before Senegal forward Moussa Sow headed in an injury-time winner to spark wild celebrations.
Speaking in the heated aftermath at Sharjah Stadium, Hussein declared his unhappiness at what he had witnessed in the quest to usurp champions Al Ain.
He said: “I think we played a very good game, we dominated from the beginning until the end. Okay, Sharjah had maybe one or two counter-attacks which were dangerous.
“But that is normal, as our team always attacks. In the end, we won the three points by scoring a goal in the last second.
“I think the referee (Ammar Al Juneibi) was the baddest point of the game.
“We are too angry against the referees, because this is not the first game, not the second game or not the third game that they want to direct the trophy to one side. We will not accept this.”
The victory saw the Red Knights restore the two-point gap to the leaders. They had appeared set for a disappointing night, Brazilian forward Ciel striking the crossbar from distance in their only attempt of note prior to the bedlam at the death.
Frustration had already gotten the best of manager Cosmin Olaroiu by the time Al Juneibi decided to wave away Sanqour’s protests for a spot-kick, with the Romanian sent to the stands for the second time in 2016 for dissent following his previous dismissal during the goalless draw at Al Wasl on January 4.
These moments represent the latest chapters in a long-running battle between Olaroiu and the UAE football authorities. This enmity stemmed from his contentious move to the Dubai side from Al Ain in July 2013, for which he served three months of a six-month touchline ban.
“It is always like this,” Hussein said. “He gets nervous because of the referees’ mistakes.
“We should have received a clear penalty (against Sharjah). In the last game (a 1-0 win against Al Wasl), also we should have had two penalties. At Al Dhafra, they scored against us (in a 2-2 draw) with a clear foul.
“Until when we have to just shut our mouths? No, we have to speak wisely, speak good and they have to listen.”
Hussein declined to comment on whether Ahli planned to consult governing bodies the Pro League Committee or UAE Football Association about their grievances, simply replying: “We will do our procedure.”
