Fri Dec 27 16:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Tractor FC Held to Controversial Draw, Loses Top Spot
**Qaishemshahr, Iran** – Tractor FC’s hopes of maintaining their lead in the Iranian league suffered a setback after a controversial 1-1 draw against Nassaji Mazandaran on Saturday. The match, played at the Vatani Stadium in Qaishemshahr, saw late drama, including a red card for Tractor’s Mehdi Hashemnejad and their coach Dragan Skocic.
Nassaji took the lead in the 19th minute through a well-placed header by Amir Mohammad Hooshmand from a Mansour Baqeri corner. Despite increased pressure in the second half, Tractor struggled to create clear-cut chances until Mehdi Tarabi’s equalizer in the 82nd minute. This goal was preceded by a VAR review to check for a potential handball, which was ultimately deemed not to have occurred.
A late goal by Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh was disallowed for offside, denying Tractor a victory. The final minutes erupted in controversy when a foul by Montaser Mohammad sparked a melee involving Hashemnejad and Vahid Mohammadi. Hashemnejad received a second yellow card and was sent off, leading to Skocic’s dismissal for protesting the decision.
Both Tarabi and Hooshmand were cited as the game’s best players. Hooshmand’s goal and strong defensive performance for Nassaji were highlighted, while Tarabi’s late goal prevented a Tractor defeat. The result sees Tractor cede the top spot to Sepahan, and their second place position is now under threat. The match was also marred by poor television coverage, making it difficult to identify players.
First Piper 