TEHRANTIMES - Esteghlal football team lost to Naft Tehran in the 20th week of Iran Professional League (IPL) on Sunday.

Esteghlal could have gone IPL top with a draw but an own goal from Hanif Omranzadeh gave Naft Tehran the three points as it climbed up to 6th place with a better goal average.

Esteghlal reduced to 10 men when Milad Fakhreddini received his second yellow card in the 79th minute with a harsh tackle on Naft player.

“We played very well especially in the second half and I believe my team didn’t deserve to lose. The referee decisions went against us in this match especially in the 81st minute when he didn’t see the Naft player’s handball inside the penalty area. We’ve earned just five points from our last six games which is awful but I hope we could make up in the next games,” Esteghlal coach Parviz Mazloumi told reporters.

Esteghlal remained in the second place with 36 points as it will take on Gostaresh Foolad in the 21st week on Friday.

Video of Iran Pro League week 20