A MEMBER of Iran’s coaching staff had to be hospitalized after a disallowed goal in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Spain.

With Spain leading 1-0 in the second half, Saeid Ezatolahi scored what appeared to be an equalizing goal. But officials on the field called Ezatolahi offside in the sequence leading up to the goal.

It was a close decision, and officials went to the VAR video replay system, which confirmed the offside call. It was then that the Iran coach started experiencing health “difficulties,” according to team manager Carlos Querioz.

“In this moment we are more concerned because one member of our staff in difficulty from health point of view after VAR decision,” Querioz told The Independent. “He went to hospital, but we hope everything will be all right. A member of our staff in difficulty. We pray for him at this moment. This shows the emotional power of our national team.”

Querioz did not identify the coach or give specifics of his medical issue.

Spain eventually prevailed 1-0 through a fortunate Diego Costa goal.

The victory puts Spain in position to advance to the knockout phase Monday against already eliminated Morocco.

(SD-Agencies)