Said El Mala criticises Leverkusen’s conduct after Köln’s derby defeat
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The Köln attacker, who scored a late consolation goal at the RheinEnergieStadion, was unhappy with several incidents during the encounter, particularly Leverkusen continuing to play while a player was down injured.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, El Mala said: “Football is still a sport based on fair play. If someone is on the ground and the Leverkusen players just keep playing, that’s not on at all.”
The 19-year-old also took aim at what he perceived to be excessive reactions from Leverkusen players following challenges, suggesting their conduct disrupted the flow of the game.
“They rolled around after every foul, I have no idea how many times. In my opinion, that has nothing to do with football. It’s a bit ridiculous. But if that’s how the ref is going to blow his whistle, then that’s how he’s going to blow it,” he added.
El Mala’s comments came after Köln were unable to prevent a defeat, despite his late effort giving the hosts hope of rescuing something from the derby.
Leverkusen ultimately held on to claim all three points, leaving Cologne to reflect on a frustrating afternoon as the visitors celebrated a valuable victory in the Rhine derby.
