Gyang Claims Victim of Racist Abuse

Ghana’s Asamoah Gyang has claimed he was racially abused by Al Hilal midfielder Mihai Pintilii following his sending off during Tuesday’s AFC Champions League semi-final second leg.

The 28-year-old received a straight red for a two-footed tackle on winger Salem al Dawsari with 20 minutes left to the dead.

The Ghana captain was involved in some pushing and shoving before leaving the pitch for an early shower.

He wrote on his official website: “The player has no right to tell me what he did.

Asamoah Gyang Featured Three Times for the Black Stars at this Year's World Cup. Image: Getty.
Asamoah Gyang Featured Three Times for the Black Stars at this Year’s World Cup. Image: Getty.

“He said something to me which made me upset. He said an abusive word- I really didn’t like it.

“He knows what he said, you can ask him. He knows what he said.”

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosts Al Ain failed to reach the final of the AF Champions League despite a 2-1 home win. Saudi outfit Al Hilal progressed to their first final 4-2 on aggregate after their 3-0 win in the first leg.

Al Ain are expected to launch a complaint to the Asian Football Confederation after gathering more facts about the incident.

Gyang admitted the red card was a fair decision by the referee.

“I must confess it was a harsh tackle,” Gyang added. “But in my mind I did not go for the player, I just went in strong for the ball. I am a professional.

“The referee took his decision. It is football so I cannot complain. I lost my head a bit, but life goes on.”