Tabriz
The head coach of Tractorsazi football club of Tabriz had very harsh words for teams that are killing football and the spirit of sportsmanship according to him. Majeed Jalali , one of the most highly respected and qualified Iranian coaches was fuming in the aftermath of his team’s goalless draw against Mess Kerman. In the post-match press conference, Jalali referred to the dozens of time when Mes Kerman players dropped themselves on the pitch faking injury to waste time.
Expressing his anger and disappointment , Jalali said “The Mes Kerman players simply dropped on the ground when we had the ball possession , and expected us to kick the ball out of bound so that they are attended to. After a few times of this repetitive acts, we discovered that we have been fooled and we were suckers for falling to these dirty tricks. These people are killing football. I admit that we have not mastered the proper tactics in playing against such Anti-Football teams.”
On the same subject, Jalali was interviewed today by Mehrnews football reporter seeking further clarification on his views which is becoming a hot subject in Iran’s football. Jalali reiterated his stand and said “The problem is that this anti-football and un-sportsmanship behavior at club level has slowly crept up into Team Melli as well. We criticize Bahrain for grass-rolling and time wasting, but when our beloved teams do it , we tend to accept it. When we played Korea, it was apparent that our players were time wasting. This has happened in previous matches as well at international level. It is natural that players carry the habits of club football up into the national teams.”
“In Iran , they expect my players to kick the ball out of bound , any time an opposing players drops himself to the ground. They call this sportsmanship behavior (Javanmardi) while in fact , most of the time, it is cheating and time wasting. This is becoming very common in Iran, it is encouraged by some coaches, in fact they have developed many tactics to fool the referees and master falling on the ground, especially their forwards to win penalties. It is regrettable and deplorable”
“This Mes Kerman team has mastered anti-football and time wasting tactics. I would never blame Ali Daei and Perspolis players for continuing playing and scoring when one of the Mes Kerman players dropped on the pitch, faking injury nonetheless, when Perspolis had the ball and had a good opportunity to score. I don’t believe that the Football league commission has done enough, if any, to confront the cheaters in our football, and they have also neglected to appreciate the true sportsmanship behavior, which is rare anyway. The League commission should review the matches and encourage true sportsmanship behavior while strongly deal with cheats. “
The controversial subject of so-called sportsmanship behavior has become a hot item of debate , especially after the Perpolis-Mes Kerman match that Majeed Jalali has referred to. There is undeniable fact , that in the Persian Football league matches, time wasting and faking has become common. There are continuous breaks in action anytime a player falls in the ground. Referees always allow players to be attended on the pitch regardless to the nature of the incident. FIFA football rules requires the player to be treated outside, except for serious injuries. Only a few have dared to talk about it in Iran football. Ali Daei and Majeed Jalai are the exceptions. The former has already warned the opposing team that his players are under instruction not to stop the game for anyone who drops on the pitch.