In the second round of the group stage of the Asian Cup, Tajikistan played against Qatar. Tajikistan defender Safarov deliberately kicked people and left the field in red, becoming the first player to be sent off with a red card in this Asian Cup.
In the 78th minute of the game, the two sides fought in the midfield, and after being knocked down by Bayati, Safarov, who fell to the ground, kicked out and kicked right on the chin of Alganehi, who fell to the ground in pain. His movements infuriated Bayati, who made a fist-swinging motion.
Players from both sides then hugged each other and pushed each other, and the referee showed Safarov a yellow card. At this point, the video assistant referee intervened and the referee changed the decision after watching the slow motion and showed Safarov a red card.
Judging from the slow motion, it is not surprising that Safarov is dyed red. After falling to the ground, he consciously reached out and kicked his opponent's chin firmly. Safarov was frustrated after realising that the referee was going to change the decision, but the Tajikistan coach was enraged and kept protesting to the fourth official.
It is worth mentioning that Safarov just celebrated his 21st birthday on January 16. Unfortunately, on the second day of his birthday, he became the first player to be dyed red in this Asian Cup.