Football
Azkals coach blasts Malaysian refs after friendly draw
InterAKTV file photo/Markku Seguerra
Philippine national men’s football team coach Hans Michael Weiss blasted officials after its friendly match against Malaysia Friday night at the Shah Alam Stadium in Selangor, which ended in a scoreless draw.
Curiously, the referees who called the match were also Malaysians.
Traditionally, referees assigned to call matches are of different nationalities from the two countries playing to avoid calls that are favorable to one team.
“We need to rethink about having local referees for international matches as one of our players was fouled and it should result in a red card,” Weiss told Malaysian tabloid The Star.
However, Weiss still lauded his team for their gallant effort against the defending Suzuki Cup champs Malaysia, who have not lost a match in its home turf since 2009.
“We played a fantastic game in the first half and had our chances of scoring but were not critical enough. I’m proud of my boys’ performance,” Weiss said.
The Azkals will battle Indonesia on June 5 at the Rizal Football Stadium and Guam on June 12 at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod in friendly matches that will affect the Philippines FIFA world ranking which currently sits at 148th.
