Dalian Pro has suffered a major blow as their foreign player, Simeone Benatia, was sent off during the recent match against Shandong Luneng.
The incident occurred in the second half of the game when Benatia attempted to win a penalty for Dalian Pro but ended up receiving a straight red card for his aggressive tackle on Shandong's midfielder, Lu Xueyi. The incident left both teams furious and the referee had no choice but to award a penalty kick to Shandong.
This is not the first time that Dalian Pro has faced such a setback this season. They have already lost two matches due to controversial decisions made by the referee. This latest incident will undoubtedly add to their woes and could potentially cost them the title race.
Despite the setback, Dalian Pro coach, Guan Tianwei, remains optimistic about the team's chances of winning the championship. He believes that they still have a chance to make a comeback and secure their place at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, Shandong Luneng manager, Ma Zhaoying, expressed his disappointment with the referee's decision and said that it was a harsh punishment for Benatia's actions. However, he also acknowledged that the team's victory was hard-earned and that they would continue to work hard towards achieving their goals.
In conclusion, the incident involving Simeone Benatia has added another chapter to Dalian Pro's turbulent season. While they may be disappointed with the outcome, they remain determined to fight until the end and give themselves a fighting chance of securing the title.