The timing was unfortunate at best, hugely regrettable, too.
Nasser Al Shamrani’s coronation as Asia’s best male footballer took place on the same day news broke he will likely serve an eight-match ban for headbutting and spitting at an opponent during the Asian Champions League final early last month.
The act of spitting has long been regarded one of football’s great indefensibles, yet Al Shamrani nonchalantly shrugged it off at a pre-event media briefing on Saturday.
He was provoked by Western Sydney Wanderers defender Matthew Spiranovic, Al Shamrani said; that his was simply a “normal reaction”.
When pressed on the issue, the Al Hilal forward was instead offered the opportunity to respond to journalists after the news conference, although he opted for the easy way out: leaving the adjoining room, in which he was conducting a series of interviews, through a different exit.
Just like his departure from the second leg of the Champions League showpiece, Al Shamrani’s retreat was lamentable.
His talent is undoubted – 10 goals en route to the final constitutes a sound endorsement – but those actions both against Western Sydney and then in the Philippines capital undermine his decoration. Contrition, even when again requested to comment after collecting his prize, has been absent.
The message sent out by the Asian Football Confederation was unwelcome, as well: that irrespective of past indiscretions, a footballer can still be awarded their top individual accolade.
The AFC emphasise that any potential suspension is decided by an independent disciplinary committee, and the governing body will argue the retribution – reportedly confined to the Champions League and, if true, rather pitifully the bare minimum Al Shamrani could be penalised – is punishment enough.
However, his presentation as the 2014 player of the year left a sour taste. Perhaps in a quieter moment, Al Shamrani will reflect on the events on November 1, for a public acknowledgement of his remorse now represents his only saving grace.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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