Ahli coach Manuel Jose criticized the referee following his side's 2-2 Egyptian League draw with Petrojet while praising his opponents' resilience to hold the defending champions. Ahli escaped an embarrassing defeat with a last-gasp equalizer from substitute Osama Hosni, after the home side took a surprising 2-1 lead. The Portugeuse manager admitted his opponents' supremacy in the game, and despite being awarded two penalties, he marked his frustration with referee Mohamed Farouk. "Petrojet were much closer to a win, we were definitely not in our best form, but also the referee's performance affected the match atmosphere," he said in a press conference. Ahli was given a second-minute penalty after goalkeeper Ahmed Fawzi brought down Mohamed Abou-Treika inside the area, and only got cautioned as a result. "The referee should have sent off Petrojet's keeper, he also turned down a clear third penalty claim for Abou-Treika, and he consequently went against the other team afterwards." "Petrojet had a convincing penalty claim waved away, and also their manager was falsely sent off in return," added Jose.
Mokhtar after being sent-off Jose then lamented the Barcelona defeat effect on his side's overall performance. "The players' morale was low after losing 4-0 to Barca, our midfield has not been in good shape, and also Emad Meteb and Flavio were luckless." On the other hand, Petrojet manager Mokhtar Mokhtar reaffirmed Jose's comments as he slammed refereeing. "The first penalty should not have been given, and Hosni was in a clear offside position when scored the winning goal," said the former Ahli star. "The ref sent me off for no reason, I was just speaking with the fourth official about the penalty we were denied." Mokhtar ascended his frustration with refereeing in general, claiming that poor decisions have cost his team dearly throughout the season. "It is not the first time we are hurt by refereeing decisions; we also lost to Zamalek before with a late goal which was an obvious offside."
