He described Manchetti's behavior as "flight and cowardice" (Anatolia)

In a surprising act that occupied the Saudi sports street, Saudi national team coach Roberto Mancini left the field before the official decision of the penalty shootout against South Korea in the 16-final of the Asian Cup, which ended with the “Samsons” winning 4-2.

The match between Saudi Arabia and South Korea ended 1-1 in regular and extra time.

Saudi Arabia coach Mancini leaves the field before the official decision of the result of the match between Saudi Arabia and South Korea!!! 😮

What do you think of the Italian coach's behavior? ✍️#AsiaCup | #AsiaCup2023 | #Saudi_South_Korea#AsianCup2023 pic.twitter.com/oPAcHeB9Tb

- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 30, 2024

The two teams resorted to penalty kicks, and luck smiled on the South Korean team, joining the ranks of the quarter-finalists and facing the Australian team.

But what confused the fans and viewers was that the Italian coach left the field before the result of the penalty shootout was decided, which raised questions about the reason.

Mancini's movement left condemning reactions from the Saudi public on social media, most notably from former Saudi football star Yasser Al-Qahtani.

Yasser Al-Qahtani: “I was hoping to know the reason for Mancini’s escape.” #Asian_Cup | #AsiaCup2023 | #Saudi_South_Korea#AsianCup2023 pic.twitter.com/b0PSTo4gMm

- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 30, 2024

Yasser Al-Qahtani: I have not seen anyone more cowardly than coach Mancini. This is a cowardly coach who does not deserve to lead the national team. He has proven that he is a disrespectful person and has a psychological complex. The leader of any group must protect everyone under his management, but he abandoned the players. pic.twitter.com/8I6AzPs3W0

- Iyad Al-Hamoud (@Eyaaaad) January 30, 2024

The Saudi Football Association announced at the end of August the appointment of Mancini as coach of the first team until 2027, succeeding Frenchman Hervé Renard, who led the Greens in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

It was reported that Mancini's (58 years old) annual salary will reach 30 million euros and that his goal will be to win the Asian Cup and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Source: Al Jazeera + websites