Payam Sadeghian , the young Persepolis players who narrowly missed selection for the squad to the FIFA World Cup 2014 at Brazil, was given a 3 months suspension from all football activities and a heavy fine of 5 million tomans, after his sending off in the last game on Thursday against Foolad Khuzestan.
The defending champions defeated Persepolis in Ahvaz 2-0. Near the end of the game, Sadeghian protested against a referee call uttering profanity at the official who branded a straight red card to the player, Sadeghian, taking an exception to the red card then went on to physically confront the referee and managed to push him before his teammates restrained him.
That was not the end of the story with Payam Sadeghian, a player who is notoriously famous for his transgressions even with his own teammate. In the dressing room, Sadeghian broke a glass door to leave his mark at the Ghadir stadium.
The federation disciplinary committee , landed hard and took into consideration all the 3 actions by Sadeghian to sentence him heavily. Persepolis can appeal the verdict as per regulations.
The comical reaction by Mohammad Panjali , shows the extent of calamity in the Persepolis organization. Panjali is a former defender with the reds who had a successful football career with Team Melli and Persepolis in the eighties, was an exemplary player with good sportsmanship attitude and clean record. He is now Persepolis Manager. In trying to defend or cover the misdeed of his player, he accused Foolad Khuzestan and Unnamed people of trying to tarnish the reputation (…) of Sadeghian by publishing a picture of a broken glass door in Ghadir stadium using Photoshop !!!
After the sentencing, Panjali changed his tone, and asked the federation for clemency, because as he said “It will tremendously affect his team who is I dire need of such player“. Panjali also added that because Sadeghian is young, he should be given clemency!! This one is certainly new to us.
With this suspension, Sadeghian’s chances in being recalled to Team Melli again , has already taken a big hit in two fronts. His attitude as frequent offender with disciplinary problems and his anger management issues, will certainly be a big concern for Queiroz. While his suspension from football for 3 months means lack of competitive football which will reduce his chances for being selected.
Persepolis , struggling with many difficulties this season on and off the pitch had two players sent off now in the last two matches played, plus the coach was fined for criticizing the referee in the post-match press conference. The serious disciplinary problems this season is emphasized by the attitude of an angry , confrontational , and hostile coach in Ali Daei. A gentleman in his playing days and an exemplary sportsman , Daei has not managed to control Sadeghian , perhaps the most talented of the young players in Iran because he (Daei) himself is setting a very bad example and has been a poor role model for his players.
No doubt younger players always look up to their coaches for guidance and inspiration. In Persepolis case, what these players see is a coach who spends a large chunk of his time protesting with referees and other official over a throw in or a supposed foul for his team that the blind referee did not see!
Sadeghian , other younger Persepolis players , road to redemption starts with Daei. If the most highly decorated Iranian footballer in modern times does not change his hostile and livid attitude, the chances of the like of Sadegghian will be minimal.