Luka Milivojevic criticises AFC decision after Shabab Al Ahli’s disallowed goal and hails Al Nasr’s 3-2 win over Al Jazira
Luka Milivojevic says Shabab Al Ahli were wronged after an apparent valid goal was ruled out in the AFC Champions League Elite semi; he also praised Al Nasr’s 3-2 win over Al Jazira. The centre-back, now with Al Nasr, urged resilience and focused attention on his club’s final three league fixtures.
Milivojevic calls disallowed goal ‘unfortunate’ for Shabab Al Ahli
Luka Milivojevic described the disallowed goal in Shabab Al Ahli’s semi-final against the Japanese side as an unfortunate and clear refereeing error. He said the decision denied the UAE side a legitimate chance to reach the final of the AFC Champions League Elite.
Milivojevic stressed that although the incident was painful, it should not diminish Shabab Al Ahli’s performance on the night. He praised the team’s effort and said the players showed quality and character despite the controversial outcome.
AFC disciplinary panel upholds match result, club protest rejected
The Asian Football Confederation’s disciplinary and ethics committee reportedly rejected Shabab Al Ahli’s protest against the decision, confirming the Japanese side’s 1-0 semi-final victory. Milivojevic called the panel’s outcome “disappointing” but urged clubs and fans to maintain faith in the competition’s wider integrity.
He emphasised that controversies are part of modern football and that the focus must return to preparation and improvement. Milivojevic’s comments echo growing calls within the region for clearer protocols on match incidents and post-game review processes.
Al Nasr secure dramatic 3-2 victory over Al Jazira
Turning to domestic matters, Milivojevic celebrated Al Nasr’s 3-2 victory over Al Jazira in a fierce Pro League encounter at Al Maktoum Stadium. He highlighted the importance of three points earned in a match that swung back and forth and tested his team’s resolve.
The win, Milivojevic said, was a morale booster at a crucial stage of the season and demonstrated Al Nasr’s fighting spirit. He singled out the team’s defensive discipline and attacking determination as reasons they emerged with the result.
Player underlines focus on remaining three league matches
Milivojevic made clear his immediate priorities are the final three fixtures of the season and maintaining high standards across the squad. He confirmed he will remain with Al Nasr through the end of the campaign and is not considering distractions beyond the present commitments.
He reiterated that every match now carries increased significance given tight margins in the standings, and stressed the squad’s concentration on performance rather than external controversies. Milivojevic urged teammates to sustain intensity and avoid complacency in the run-in.
Implications for UAE clubs in Asian and domestic competitions
The semi-final controversy and its fallout underscore broader challenges facing UAE clubs competing on two fronts this season. Milivojevic’s remarks reflect a wider sentiment among regional players that refereeing decisions and governance must be addressed to protect competitive fairness.
Domestically, Al Nasr’s victory repositions the club in the title race and adds pressure on rivals as the campaign approaches its conclusion. Observers say consistent form in the final rounds could determine final standings and qualification outcomes for next season’s continental tournaments.
Al Nasr’s coaching staff and players will now turn their full attention to tactical preparation and recovery ahead of the next league fixture. Milivojevic expects the team to carry momentum from the win while learning lessons from the sharper moments of the Al Jazira game.
The squad’s response to both the regional controversy involving Shabab Al Ahli and their own domestic challenges will be watched closely by supporters and league stakeholders. Milivojevic’s insistence on resilience and focus signals Al Nasr’s intent to finish the season strongly and to keep standards high in both defence and attack.
