"There was a goal that was scored and then it was cancelled - this is a very technical mistake by the referee. Unfortunately this is what is turning football into rubble. It was a big mistake to choose this referee for this match. We deserved to be in the final and we deserve to play this important game."
The AFL appeals board overturned the tribunal's verdict based on an error of law through a miscarriage of justice, bringing to a close a farcical chapter that started with missing evidence and ended with barking dogs.
Shabab Al Ahli's hopes of becoming champions of Asia had just come to an end in the penultimate stage of the tournament with a 1-0 loss, but they were adamant that tie should have been headed for extra-time after their 92nd-minute equaliser was disallowed.
While we appreciate the team's perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees.
Well, I guess today is a new day in football, but with the same old racist problems; and whilst we do wanna focus on the games ahead today because the game is what we love yesterday does still linger. And whether or not you like Vini Jr., that shouldn't shape your opinion on this incident, and which team you support, it shouldn't affect which side of the story that you fall on.
Come on! Come on! Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? He didn't even get hit in the face! Take a look at this, folks. I gotta show it to you. Take a look at this.