AFC fines Lebanon coach Radulovic for comments after Qatar defeat

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has fined Lebanon coach Miodrag Radulovic $7,500 for his comments on the referees after a 2-0 defeat by Qatar in their Asian Cup opener last week.

The AFC said Radulovic had violated Article 50.1 of their disciplinary and ethics code, which deals with bringing the game into disrepute.

"Mr. Miodrag Radulovic is informed that a repeat violation of this provision may be met with more severe punishment," the AFC said.

Lebanon's opening goal in the first half of their defeat by Qatar was disallowed before their opponents scored twice after the break to seal the win, leading the Montenegrin manager to question the match officials.

Media reports had quoted Radulovic as saying his team played "against 12 or 13" and accusing the officials of denying Lebanon a legitimate goal.

Lebanon lost to Qatar and Saudi Arabia in Group E but have a slim chance of qualifying for the knockout stage as one of four best third-placed teams if they win their final group game against North Korea on Thursday.