Soccer Extreme : Awana Diab earned the unwanted epithet of football’s number one idiot after scoring the final goal for the United Arab Emirates from the penalty spot in their 6-2 win over Lebanon in an friendly last Sunday.In one of the most unsportsmanlike, arrogant actions ever seen in international football, Diab turned 180 degrees as he approached the penalty spot and proceeded to back heel the ball into the back of the net.
The bewildered goalkeeper did not react. This was not a test of skill and nerve where you meet your adversary face to face.
There was no skill involved.
The game was over. The opposition was deflated, beaten and waiting for the final whistle to blow.
This was not a sporting coup de grace. It was an insult to Diab’s opponents, an embarrassment to his team mates and the country he represents.
The act didn’t deserve a goal, but the referee gave it. The Lebanese players had the good grace to take it well.
UAE manager, Srecko Katanec, who had only just brought Diab on, took matters into his own hands and dragged him off immediately.
“This penalty, I didn’t like it. We must respect players from other teams. In future you don’t know what football will give you back.”
“He’s a young guy and he knew he made a mistake immediately. I just want him to show respect, not just on the field but off it as well,” Katanec said after the game.
Unfortunately, he didn’t learn his lesson earlier by back-heeling the ball straight to the keeper.
Lebanese officials were also less than impressed.
But in a strange twist, Lebanon coach Emile Rustom saw things differently.
“I didn’t feel it was an insult and this is my attitude. This is a personal decision the player made and it has nothing to do with the way the UAE plays its football.”
Hmmm… football, always a game of opinions
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