Iraq Forward Aymen Hussein Sent Off in AFC Asian Cup Match Against Jordan

Iraq‘s forward Aymen Hussein faced a surprising turn of events during the AFC Asian Cup round of 16 match against Jordan at Qatar‘s Khalifa International Stadium. The game saw Iraq trailing behind as Yazan Al-Naimat scored the opening goal just before halftime. However, Jesus Casas’ team initiated a comeback in the second half, with Naji Suad heading the ball into the net from a corner, bringing the scores level.

Aymen Hussein stole the limelight in the 76th minute when he netted a clinical finish, putting the Lions of Mesopotamia in the lead. However, his extended celebrations resulted in a yellow card, his second of the match, causing him to be sent off the field. FIFA‘s Law 12 penalizes excessive time-wasting and choreographed goal celebrations.

The rules allow players to express their joy after scoring a goal, but the celebration should not be excessive. Referees are instructed to intervene when they witness excessive time-wasting due to choreographed celebrations. A player receives a caution if they are guilty of this offense. Additionally, if a player removes his shirt during the celebration, it also results in a booking.

Aymen Hussein’s departure from the game due to his excessive celebrations paved the way for a dramatic turnaround. In the match’s closing moments, Jordan managed to score two stoppage-time goals. Yazan Abu Al-Arab equalized for Jordan in the 95th minute, followed by Nizar Al Rashdan’s winning goal two minutes later.