Head Coach Ricardo Sá Pinto Champions Respect, Condemns Fan Abuse in Iranian Football
In a powerful statement addressing recent events in the Persian Gulf Pro League, Ricardo Sá Pinto, the head coach of Esteghlal FC, has taken a firm stand against fan abuse and the spread of hatred, reaffirming the core values of sportsmanship.
A Stand for Dignity
The Portuguese manager used his official social media account to react to incidents of verbal abuse directed at the Esteghlal community following a match involving Persepolis and Esteghlal Khuzestan. Sá Pinto’s message was clear and uncompromising.
The Statement: Rejecting Hatred, Upholding Values
In his post, Sá Pinto wrote, “Insults towards the great Esteghlal family are unacceptable, and spreading hatred only tarnishes the beautiful face of football.” He emphasized a fundamental principle of consequence, stating, “Without a doubt, those who sow the seeds of anger will reap hatred.”
The coach went on to analyze the motivation behind such insults, suggesting they are a mask for inadequacy. “Individuals who are not strong enough on the pitch try to hide their weakness behind insults,” he remarked.
A Commitment to Winning with Class
Concluding with a declaration of his team’s philosophy, Sá Pinto highlighted the esteemed tradition of Esteghlal FC. “But in the great tradition of Esteghlal, we prefer to show our respect and character where it matters most: on the pitch, where our rivals are left with nothing more to say.” This closing remark underscored a commitment to achieving victory through performance and integrity, rather than engaging in off-field conflicts.