Hardly gun-shy after running foul of Football Federation Australia all week, Gold Coast United came out firing after their A-League minor premiership chances were dashed by a 1-0 loss to Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.

Following days of off-field controversies, United coach Miron Bleiberg hinted that the FFA had sent their “best sheriff” to the tourist strip – hard nosed referee Matthew Breeze – for arguably the most important game in their short history.

By full-time, Breeze was booed off Skilled Park by the 4202 United faithful for awarding a first-half stoppage time penalty that resulted in Paul Ifill’s winning goal.

Breeze raised eyebrows – and Bleiberg’s blood pressure – when he penalised Bas Van den Brink’s needless challenge on Tim Brown and pointed to the spot.

When asked about Breeze – who is a police prosecutor – Bleiberg launched into a wild west analogy.

“In the wild west a small town is making a lot of noise…so the marshall office decides to put some law enforcement in this town,” he said.

“They send one of their best sheriffs to put law into town – and he does whatever he needs to do and it is quiet.”

United’s first loss since December 13 means they must now beat North Queensland Fury in the last round to be any chance of securing a top two finish.

In contrast, fourth-placed Wellington have not only snapped up their first A-League playoff berth but kept alive a chance to clinch a home final.

Bleiberg had called for United to ignore their off-field distractions ahead of their crucial game.

Easier said than done.

First Bleiberg and then owner Clive Palmer landed in hot water with Football Federation Australia for their comments this week in the wake of midfielder Steve Pantelidis’s season-ending suspension.

Typically outspoken billionaire Palmer’s tirade was the most memorable, accusing the FFA of corruption and having an agenda against his club.

He faces sanctions from the FFA and has until Monday afternoon to respond to his code of conduct charge.

But Bleiberg’s halftime actions may yet ensure off-field antics again become a talking point for the club.

Bleiberg waited patiently on the sideline for Breeze to come off the field at the main break before walking closely with the official through the tunnel while sharing his views.

But Bleiberg claimed he was just asking for consistency after Breeze dished out five yellow cards in the first half – three to United including two for simulation.

There were no bookings in the second half.

Asked about the penalty, Bleiberg said: “It is disappointing from our point of view to lose a chance to win a championship in an historic moment for a doubtful penalty.

“Out of 10 referees five would have said yes and five would have said it wasn’t clear cut.”

United defender Michael Thwaite added: “The best games in football are when the referees go unnoticed and for the majority of the season they are making these decisions…but they are being noticed.

“Hopefully in the finals series they go unnoticed.”

The Phoenix remain the Gold Coast’s bogey side – United haven’t beaten, or scored against, the Wellington outfit this season.

© AAP 2012

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