World Football Strange but True: Sepahan Player Misses Penalty Intentionally

Sometimes referees get the call wrong. This time, Sepahan Isfahan made it right.

During a recent AFC Champions League match between Iranian club Sepahan Isfahan and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia, Sepahan's Omid Ebrahimi missed a penalty on purpose.

It was the right thing to do.

Don't believe it? Here's the story.

Sepahan was leading 1-0 when an Al Nassr defender sustained an injury in his own box. As is customary in these situations, Al Nassr kicked the ball out of bounds so the player could receive treatment.

Then, in the usual show of good sportsmanship, Sepahan gave the ball back on the ensuing throw-in. Or, well, something like that.

Apparently Sepahan striker Xhevahir Sukaj didn't get the memo. Instead, Xhevahir took possession of the ball in Al Nassr's box and rushed toward their goal, where he was taken out by the Al Nassr goalkeeper.

The ref called a penalty and sent off the keeper. But then things got really interesting.

Sepahan manager Zlatko Kranjcar—yes, he's the father of Tottenham Hotspur's Niko Kranjcar—directed Ebrahimi to miss the spot kick intentionally.

Ebrahimi obeyed and rolled the kick right at the new Al Nassr goalkeeper.

Sepahan won the match anyway, 3-0. The whole incident was caught on tape, and we've got the video for you above.

So, what do you think, readers? Was this good sportsmanship? Or was it misguided?

Also, what would you do in that situation? A goal is a goal, no matter how bad the call was.

Right?

(h/t: 101 Great Goals)

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