Al-Zawraa management files complaint over referees in Karbala match

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Al-Zawraa Sports Club's board of directors issued a statement Friday criticizing the performance of the referees during its match against Karbala. The Baghdad-based club said the officiating decisions directly and negatively affected the course and outcome of the fixture. The board demanded a thorough review of every refereeing decision in the match, while expressing continued respect for the officials and the relevant bodies. It asked the Iraqi Football Association and the Referees Committee to assign Arab or foreign referees for upcoming fixtures. Club officials said the request was made to safeguard impartiality, fairness and the integrity of the competition. The board added that its complaint stemmed from the need to protect the club's rights, defend the interests of the tournament and ensure all teams receive fair treatment on the pitch. No further details were immediately available.