A GALATASARAY youngster has intentionally missing a penalty after appearing to object to being awarded a spot-kick in an Under-14 match. Captain Beknaz Almazbekov had the chance to double his side’s lead against Istanbulspor A.S. Goller on Sunday, after a challenge early in the second half. The 13-year-old cut inside and went to ground under […]
A GALATASARAY youngster has intentionally missing a penalty after appearing to object to being awarded a spot-kick in an Under-14 match.
Captain Beknaz Almazbekov had the chance to double his side’s lead against Istanbulspor A.S. Goller on Sunday, after a challenge early in the second half.
The 13-year-old cut inside and went to ground under minimal contact from the defender.
Replays subsequently show Almazbekov appeared to trip on the turf, perhaps even on purpose to deceive the official.
Upon hitting the floor he looked up hopefully at the ref, who duly pointed to the spot.
Almazbekov did not appear to protest the decision but his conscience appeared to take over before the penalty.
Instead of attempting to add to his first half goal, he scooped the ball beyond the byline and out of play for a goal-kick.
Many of his teammates and some opposition players appeared to be aware of what the Kyrgyzstan-born forward was planning as they took their positions further up field preparing for the inevitable restart.
The miss proved inconsequential however as Galatasaray ran out 2-0 winners, with Baran Demiroglu netting the second.
Fans on social media are divided over whether the act was one of sportsmanship, or if the player merely felt guilty for an act of simulation.
Ade wrote: “It’s an interesting one as he does dive in the first place, but fair play for kicking the penalty away.”
But Christian Christensen added: “His response was simple and perfect.”
Ola Soyoye also praised the young skipper, commenting: “Looks like everyone here, including the ref knew he was going to intentionally miss the kick. Still, a good show of sportsmanship.”
Newcastle fan Chris Robinson was unconvinced by Almazabekov, saying: “Can’t argue with the sportmanship shown after the award but why after he fell down (or possibly dived) did he look towards the ref?
“If I lost balance and fell in the box I’d be looking to jump up and win the ball back??”
The episode came 22 years to the day since Robbie Fowler famously protested against the award of a penalty when Liverpool played Arsenal on March 24 1997.
The ex-England forward leaped over a challenge from David Seaman, but referee Gerald Ashby gave the spot-kick.
Fowler urged the official to reverse the decision but to no avail, before stepping up to take it himself.
Seaman saved the effort but the damage was done as Jason McAteer raced in to score from the rebound – with Fowler’s gesture leading to him winning a fair play certificate from Uefa.
