Sven-Goran Eriksson was left frustrated that Shanghai SIPG were denied a second goal against Melbourne Victory because a second ball was on the pitch.
Shanghai levelled at 1-1 in the 52nd minute of their AFC Champions League clash when Wu Lei ghosted in at the back post, and the visitors hit the back of the net again 11 minutes later only for the referee to rule it out.
Victory stun Shanghai SIPG in ACL thriller
As Elkeson struck his shot past Victory goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, another ball was sitting inside the home side’s defensive penalty area and the referee blew his whistle.
It was a new experience for the 68-year-old Swede, who believed the issue should have been dealt with earlier.
“I think the ball has been there for a long time and if you have the referee and three assistants, someone should see it,” Eriksson said after Wednesday’s match.
“But he’s blowing for it first when we create a good occasion. I’ve never seen it before… but it was a pity because it was a good attack from our side and a good goal as well.”
Eriksson insisted Shanghai didn’t deserve to lose but paid tribute to Victory for their win, which was secured by Besart Berisha’s second-half penalty.
With the Chinese Super League season set to begin in the first weekend of March, Shanghai were dealt a blow when Asamoah Gyan came off with an adductor strain in the 59th minute.
“I don’t know [if it’s a bad injury], I honestly don’t know. I hope not,” Eriksson said.
“We will see tomorrow when we arrive in Shanghai how bad it is.”
