Bring on the ban, says Qatar coach Musovic

HANOI, July 11 (Reuters) Far from harming Qatar's chances, a touchline ban on Dzemaludin Musovic may even help the Qataris in their Asian Cup clash with co-hosts Vietnam, the coach told Reuters today.

Bosnian Musovic faces suspension after being sent off for a furious tirade against Australian referee Matthew Breeze during Qatar's 1-1 draw with holders Japan in their Group B opener.

''It's no big problem -- if I'm on the bench or five metres behind it,'' Musovic told Reuters on the eve of Qatar's game with Vietnam.

''I'm the coach. I'm not the one on the pitch. It's the players. It might be a good thing that I'm not too close to the referee!'' The Asian Football Association was expected to decide the length of Musovic's ban later today.

Musovic gave Breeze an earful after the official had shown the red card to Hussain Yaser in injury time of Monday's game in Hanoi. Breeze responded by ordering Musovic down the tunnel too.

FILTHY MOOD Former Manchester City player Yaser will miss Qatar's showdown with the Asian Cup co-hosts after his dismissal for fouling Japanese substitute Hideo Hashimoto.

''The referees should protect attacking players,'' grumbled Musovic, his mood scarcely improved in the intervening 48 hours.

''Yaser was fouled a minimum of 10 times in the game. Yet he makes his first foul of the game and he's off.

''It doesn't make sense. The refereeing commission need to look at it.'' Musovic also fired a warning to a Vietnam side flying high following their upset 2-0 win over United Arab Emirates in their opening game.

''We will never repeat the same mistakes UAE did,'' he said.

''After the Japan game we have a new motivation. There was a very positive response after Japan took the lead.

''For maybe the first time Qatar refused to accept they would lose. I think Qatar will get stronger and be a dangerous team for anyone in the tournament.'' REUTERS TB KP1503