Malaysia defender Aidil Zafuan is bracing himself for a severe sanction for pushing referee Chris Beath in Tuesday night's Asian Cup qualifier, but he wants the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to review the quality of match officials.
Aidil was sent off in added time in the 1-1 draw with Hong Kong after he made physical contact with the Australian official, who had just awarded a controversial penalty.
Hafizul Hakim saved Alessandro Ferreira Leonardo's spot kick to preserve the draw and spare new coach Nelo Vingada from a fourth consecutive defeat to begin his tenure.
Beath, one of the A-League's most experienced and respected referees, also sent off Rizal Ghazali just minutes earlier for coming on to the pitch without his approval after the defender had received treatment on the sideline.
"I leave the decision to AFC. The players gave everything, but the referee made some decisions which we cannot accept, especially with the red cards," Johor Darul Ta'zim centre-back Aidil told ESPN FC.
"I did not push him, I only pushed his hand which he couldn't accept ,and gave me the second yellow. But it is my mistake, and I accept it. I may be suspended for a game, or a few games depending on the referee's report.
"But if I am suspended, I feel that we are neglected. The AFC needs to look at the official's previous records as well. This referee has made surprising decisions before. If players can be suspended, why not referees?"
Beath, who had to be escorted off the Malacca pitch after angry players and officials tried to confront him, has been the subject of complaints in his homeland.
In 2015, Sydney FC requested for Beath to be removed from their matches for the season after the A-League side were on the receiving end of 29 fouls.
This year, the same club claimed he apologised to them after denying them a penalty.
Vingada also felt vindicated in his decision to confront Beath, saying it would have "looked stupid if we did not react".
The Portuguese coach, however, admitted that the result was an opportunity lost for Malaysia, who could have moved second in Group B with a victory.
This was because North Korea and Lebanon drew 2-2 in the earlier match.
"We created many chances, but are still missing that finishing touch. Our mistakes cost us too, as we could be talking about a win," Vingada said.
"But it's good that we stopped the negative wave of results. In October, I believe we will be stronger with the under-22 players also in the plans to join us. I hope to have more options now that the season is ending."
The draw meant Malaysia remain bottom of their group with one point, with Hong Kong and North Korea above them on two points.
Malaysia will next travel to play North Korea in a rescheduled match in Pyongyang on Oct. 5.
This game was twice postponed on March 28 and June 8 after the AFC had deemed travelling to the Republic a safety risk due to strained diplomatic relations between the governments.