Mae Rim [Thailand], September 8 (ANI): India men’s football head coach Igor Stimac expressed his frustration over the referee’s decision to award Iraq a penalty in their semifinal defeat in the Kings Cup. 

The Blue Colts went to toe against Iraq but ended up falling short in the end in a nerve-racking penalty shootout which ended 5-4 in favour of the Lions of Mesopotamia. 

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The entire game was a story of defensive errors, India’s defence snapped in the crucial moments, while Iraq’s keeper had a moment to forget. At the end of the 90 minutes, the game was level on 2-2. 

The most controversial decision arrived when the referee decided to award Iraq with a second penalty. 

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Sandesh Jhingan allegedly pushed an Iraq player which led to the penalty. 

However, the replay suggested that the decision was debatable. 

Stimac expressed his disappointment by sharing a message on 'X' (formerly known as Twitter), and wrote, “Our boys left everything on that pitch tonight and I am immensely proud of them! Someone decided to rob them from winning tonight but the time will come sooner than many expect that even referees will not be able to stop my boys winning such games.”

https://twitter.com/stimac_igor/status/1699819354349617371?t=hXhe4-wwFrXk8mp3hpyQiQ&s=19

The game eventually went to penalties and Brandon Fernades missed from the spot and the game ended 5-4 in favour of Iraq.

India will look to bounce back in the upcoming Asian Games. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)