Asian Cup 2015: Oman fall to Korea Republic, coach fuming after denied penalty in 1-0 loss

OMAN boss Paul Le Guen has slammed A-League referee Peter O’Leary for not awarding his side a penalty in their 1-0 loss to Korea Republic.

Qasim Said of Oman (L) fights for the ball with Kim Ju Young of South Korea during the first round Asian Cup football match between South Korea and Oman in Canberra on January 10, 2015. AFP PHOTO / MARK GRAHAM --- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERICAL USE --

OMAN boss Paul Le Guen has slammed A-League referee Peter O’Leary for not awarding his side a penalty claiming it could have changed the shape of the game before Korea Republic earned a 1-0 win at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

Le Guen says Qasim being up-ended in the 16th minute of the clash inside the penalty box when he tangled legs with Kim Juyoung was a clear cut spot kick but the New Zealand official failed to react.

O’Leary and his New Zealand team of assistant referees are the only officials appointed for Asian Cup duties to live outside of the bounds of the Asian Football Confederation.

The trio are from the Oceania Football Confederation and were awarded the second Group A clash, which also houses the Socceroos and Kuwait.

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Oman coach Paul Le Guen was left fuming after Qasim Said was denied a penalty.

“For me it’s a wrong decision, a very bad decision,’’ Le Guen said.

“There is no delay it’s 100 per cent penalty decision and the game could have been different if you are one-zero up.”

But Le Guen’s coaching adversary Uli Stielike said he wasn’t sure which incident journalists were referring to when asked whether Oman had a penalty claim.

“I saw the game like I saw the referee (see it),’’ Stielike said.

“I have no opinion (about the penalty incident) only from which situation, which minute, so it cannot be a clear penalty.”

But Stielike said he was content his side didn’t have a big “5-0” score line.

That would have heaped pressure on his side which dominated in front of the box but couldn’t put more than a goal away despite having five shots on target which was coupled by a wonderful display from Oman keeper Ali Al Habsi.

Stielike, however, said referees need time to settle into the tournament after just one yellow card was dished out.

Stielike was forced to make three substitutions due to what appeared to be impact injuries to Kim Changsoo, Lee Chungyong and Lee Jeonghyeop.

Oman’s Abdul Aziz was the only player cautioned throughout the clash after O’Leary pulled up play for 22 fouls, eight to Oman and 14 to Korea Republic.

South Korea's Cho Young Cheol celebrates scoring the only goal of the game.

“I also have to say you also have to think about the players and the referees for coming to this tournament,’’ Stielike said.

“Next time they have to be a little bit stricter to give yellow cards, not for reclaims or discussions because this hurts nobody.

“But tackling from behind yes and like I said it’s a job for us throughout the tournament and I think also the referees will improve.”

Korea Republic’s Koo Jacheol won the game’s most valuable player after it was his shot which kick started the avenue for Cho Youngcheol to score in first half stoppage time.

Koo who plays for a Qatari club was a menace throughout the clash.

“We had some difficulties in the first half,’’ Koo said.

“But in the end we got the three points and I think this is a step forward.”

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Oman fall to Korea Republic, coach fuming after denied penalty in 1-0 loss