Saudi Cup: Talisca receives red card after attacking rival

During the Saudi Cup match between Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq, the expulsion of Anderson Talisca is debated

Josué Seixas

2023-11-01 11:20:16

Image Credits: © (@andersontalisca on Instagram)

During the round of 16 second leg of the Saudi Arabian Cup between Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq, the meeting was marked by controversy. Indeed, Al Nassr’s Brazilian striker, Anderson Talisca, was shown a direct red card deemed unfair by his team and the supporters.

While a simple yellow card would have seemed to correspond to the foul committed, the referee surprised everyone by issuing a direct red card to the player. This contentious decision heavily penalized Al Nassr, forced to play 10 against 11 for more than an hour. Players complained to the game director, believing they had been unfairly harmed.

“Another great victory, despite all the adversities we overcame. Sorry for the expulsion!”, wrote Talisca on his social media.

Despite the inferiority, Al Nassr’s men showed great character by resisting Al Ettifaq’s attacks throughout the match, then in overtime. While an elimination seemed to be looming, it was Sadio Mané who came to deliver at the last minute.

Thanks to this goal in the final moments, Al Nassr qualified for the quarter-finals.