“If That Ball Is In Play, I’m…”: Angry Farhan Akhtar Reacts To Referee Howler That Ended India’s FIFA World Cup Hopes
Farhan Akhtar didn’t hold back at the shocking decision made by the referee that resulted in India’s exit from FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
After taking a 1-0 lead, Indian football players and fans would have been dreaming of qualifying for Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. However, things took a nasty turn as Qatar scored a highly controversial in the 73rd minute to equalise. The ball had clearly gone out of play after touching Gurpreet Sandhu and even as Indian players stopped, waiting for the referee to blow his whistle for a corner, Qatar footballer Mohialdin Alhashmi took the ball from behind the line and flicked it back into play for Youssef Aymen to tap in the equaliser. Indian players were left shell-shocked and protested profusely but it all seemed to fall on the deaf ears of the referee. The goal seemed to knock the wind out of the Indian players, with Ahmed Al-Rawi scoring Qatar’s second in the 85th minute to give them a 2-1 win.
The loss meant that India finished third in the group, only ahead of fourth-placed Afghanistan on goal difference.
Following the loss, there was outpouring from Indian fans on social media. Referee’s shocking decision had sparked outrage with many questioning the motives behind such a decision being taken.
Among the many, actor Farhan Akhtar too was left in disbelief and made his feelings known. The actor-director took to Instagram Stories to vent his frustration and anger.
“If that ball is in play, I’m the emperor of Japan…!!” Farhan Akhtar wrote, followed by an angry emoji.
Just for information, even a draw against Qatar would have knocked India out of contention for the next round, with Kuwait beating Afghanistan 1-0 in the other match, to take second spot in the group.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Farhan Akhtar will soon return to the director's chair with 'Don 3', starring Ranveer Singh and Kiara Advani in the lead roles.
He will also direct 'Jee Le Zaraa', starring Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Katrina Kaif.
