KUALA LUMPUR: Many fans are blaming the referee for some decisions against Harimau Malaya in their 2-0 defeat to Oman in a World Cup qualifier in Muscat on Thursday.
Referee Fu Ming of China denied Malaysia a penalty when winger Faisal Halim was fouled inside the Oman penalty box. Instead, Faisal was yellow-carded.
In the 80th minute, Paulo Josue was flagged offside, although the ball had deflected off an Oman defender before the striker slotted it past their goalkeeper.
It was Malaysia's first defeat in Group D of the World Cup qualifiers. Harimau Malaya must beat Oman in the return match on Tuesday to reignite their hopes of reaching the third round of the competition.
Sports observer Datuk Richard Scully said referees always have the final say during matches, and Kim Pan Gon's side should forget about the defeat.
"Oman won because of their individual quality. Their players were able to come out of tight situations despite being heavily marked by the Malaysian team."
Richard pinpointed the positive and negative takeaways from the loss.
"Although the M-League has not started, the players fought hard and showed commitment.
"I think they played a decent game. Every department did well. However, people do not see this. They only judge based on results.
"The team had their chances and should have converted them. If the decision had gone Faisal's way, things might have turned out differently."
Richard believes Harimau Malaya must play a pressing game when they face Oman again in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.