Eliminated from the Asian Champions League with Al-Nassr, Sadio Mané was involved in a regrettable incident involving a player from Al Ain.
A black day for Sadio Mané and his teammates. The Senegalese forward was knocked out in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League (0-1, 4-3, 1 pen 3) after being instrumental in his team’s first goal just before halftime. During the match, the former Bayern Munich player showed signs of nervousness. In footage captured by cameras, the 31-year-old seized Ivorian defender Kouame Autonne by the throat. However, he did not receive a direct red card for unsporting behavior. The aggrieved player and his coach protested against this action.
Mané emulates Vinicius Junior
To some extent, this gesture recalls Vinicius Junior’s strangulation incident last week in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 against RB Leipzig. The Real Madrid star, where neo-Moroccan Brahim Diaz plays, also clashed with an opponent, Willy Orban, to bring him down. But like Mané, the Brazilian forward was not sent off by the referee after the incident. The referee simply showed him a yellow card. And like Mané, this decision sparked controversy.
Already lagging behind in the league to the unbeaten Al-Hilal of Yassine Bounou and Kalidou Koulibaly, Mané and Al-Nassr have only the Saudi Cup as their only hope of avoiding a trophyless season. Qualified for the semi-finals, the Lion will try to console himself in a competition where he has performed well, with three goals and one assist in three matches.
