Coach Hanif blames referee for Eagles' heavy 7-1 defeat against New Radiant

Club Eagles coach Abdullah Hanif (Benjo) has blamed referee Mohamed Ismail for his team's heavy 7-1 defeat against New Radiant Sports Club in the Dhiraagu Dhivehi Premier League. The match was played at the Galolhu National Stadium. Hanif said the turning point was a wrongly awarded penalty in the 20th minute, when Eagles defender Vishah Abdul Majeed fouled Ali Ashfaq outside the area, but the referee pointed to the spot. Hanif noted that Eagles had previously filed a complaint with the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) against the same referee after a 2-2 draw with HA. Dhidhoo Sports Club, where similar controversial decisions were made. Despite Eagles having conceded only three goals in their previous five matches, they suffered their heaviest defeat of the season.