Hejazi Blames Ref for Defeat

Mehr News – Esteqlal of Ahvaz manager Nasser Hejazi Saturday said the refereeing blunders led his side toward defeat against Sepahan in the opening match of the third Iran Pro League’s 23rd-week opening match in Isfahan Friday.
“The referee (Hossein Yadi) prevented our team from playing its normal football,” added former national keeper in his talks with Mehr, reiterating, “To me, the main reason behind our loss was the misjudgment.”

He said it is crystal clear that some referees use tricks to prevent Esteqlal of Ahvaz from achieving good results.

“If the video is watched, you will see the referee’s big mistakes,” Hejazi underlined.

Sepahan celebrated its first win in the new Iranian calendar year, beating Esteqlal of southern city Ahvaz.

The home side handed the blue-clad Esteqlal a 4-2 defeat in Naqsh-e Jahan stadium.

Striker Rassul Khatibi opened the score for Sepahan in the 17th minute.

The visitor received another blow as Nasser Shirdel was sent off by referee in the 45th minute.

Adriano Always equalized the match 10 minutes into the second half, but Leon Estepanian's curling free-kick made it 2-1 for the second IPL champion Sepahan eight minutes later and Saeid Ramezani and Asghar Taleb-Nassab grabbed the Isfahani side's third and fourth on 74 and 82 minutes.

Milad Mir-Davudi scored Esteqlal's consolation goal one minute before the normal time.

Hereunder come the fixtures and latest table:
SUNDAY, APRIL 4
Abu Moslem vs. Barq

Persepolis vs. Shamushak

Fulad vs. SAIPA

Fajr-e Sepassi vs. Pas

MONDAY, APRIL 5

Paykan vs. Esteqlal of Tehran

THURSDAY, APRIL 8

Pegah vs. Zob Ahan