CONSIDER PLAYERS’ FEELINGS

Satiananthan says referee should not have given Sarkunan a red card

SELANGOR coach B. Satiananthan knew he might face disciplinary action from FAM if he blasts the referee too much.

So, the 61-year-old tried hard to control his emotions after the 3-2 loss to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in a Super League match on Wednesday.

He handled his post-match press conference with some “constructive criticism”.

Satiananthan said match officials should take into consideration the players’ state of mind

during high-pressure matches. And he has made this plea before to referees.

The match in Larkin saw Selangor’s K. Sarkunan being given the marching orders after he kicked the ball towards referee Mohd Fairuzi Mohd Desa in frustration in the 76th minute.

Although Satiananthan doesn’t condone such behaviour, he said the gravity of the situation should be taken into consideration.

“I’m not saying it’s right for him to do that. The officials need to understand the players’ feelings. He (Sarkunan) shouldn’t have done that but we need to ask (about the red card), that’s all.

“We fought hard and want to get into the top three. The pressure was there and the incident that happened could have been avoided but we coudn’t avoid it because of the circumstances.”

The Southern Tigers led early 20 on the 10th and 12th minutes, courtesy of Gonzalo Cabrera and Leandro Velazquez, respectively.

Khyril Muhymeen Zambri pulled one back for Selangor in the 41st minute but JDT’s Safawi Rasid scored their third goal for a 3-1 lead before Sandro da Silva netted the Red Giants’ second goal just before the final whistle.

Satiananthan also expressed his sadness over the distasteful behaviour of some Selangor fans who mocked the Selangor coach’s strategies at the Larkin Stadium.

“Some Selangor fans uttered curse words at me and in this type of situation, how are people supposed to bring their children to the stadium if they are to hear these type of words,” said Satiananthan.

“I saw him, he is a Selangor fan because he was wearing red. We fought hard and he was still using that kind of language at us. They (the fans) must use their brains.”

JDT manager Luciano Figueroa said he is not thinking of the title yet but is focused on improving his team.

JDT are six points away from their sixth Super League title with five matches to go.