Al-Ittifaq coach Steven Gerrard has accused Pitso Mosimane's Abha FC of trying to provoke his team on Saturday.
Gerrard's charges moved up to seventh spot on the Saudi Pro League table after defeating Abha FC 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Read: Match-Up: Gerrard's R1.3bn Squad vs Pitso's R399.1m Men
Goals from Moussa Dembele, Karl Toko-Ekambi and an own goal from Grzegorz Krychowiak guided Ittifaq to victory.
After the clash, Gerrard claims Abha tried to provoke his side by wasting time on the field,.
"The opponent tried to provoke us by wasting time, but our mental state was stronger," Gerrad said, as per the club X account.
"Winning is an important step: we must continue working and remain humble in order to achieve our goals."
As for Abha, they remain in the relegation zone after Saturday's loss and find themselves three points adrift of safety.
Mosimane's charges will come up against Al Wheda at home in their next Saudi Pro League encounter on Thursday evening.
