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Perth coach David Mitchell has hit out at the controversial penalty decision that cost the Glory a share of the points in today’s 2-1 A-League loss to Adelaide.
United went top of the table after the gutsy victory, just 36 hours after they arrived home from Tashkent having booked a berth in the Asian Champions League final.
Adelaide would have been excused for thinking it wasn’t going to be their day when striker Nikita Rukavytsya put the Glory ahead in the 55th minute at Hindmarsh Stadium.
But the home side hit back with two late goals in the space of three minutes from Alemao and Travis Dodd to claim all three points.
Dodd slotted home the winner from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute after referee Strebre Delovski ruled that Perth captain Jamie Coyne had fouled Lucas Pantelis, although the incident happened outside the penalty area.
“I think the referee had a good game today,’ said Mitchell.
“But he had one bad decision which cost us dearly.
“Maybe he should have consulted his linesman.
“I know it’s difficult for the referee to make decisions but it’s a tough call for us and it has cost us the game.”
The loss left the Glory rooted to the bottom of the table with seven points, while Adelaide are flying high on top with 17, two clear of Sydney FC.
It all seemed to be going pear-shaped for Adelaide until coach Aurelio Vidmar rang the changes in the second half after resting half the team that started against Bunyodkor in the return leg of the ACL semi-final.
Substitute Robbie Younis fired in a cross in the 79th minute, allowing Alemao to slot his first A-League goal from close range.
Dodd also came off the bench to score the winner from the spot.
“Today was a huge effort,” said Vidmar.
“To go out and perform like they did today, you can’t ask for any more.
“They showed they all have a big heart and in the end they got what they deserved.
“I would have been pleased with a point tonight to be honest.”
United started the game in positive fashion, with Kristian Sarkies forcing Perth keeper Tando Velaphi into a flying save in the fifth minute with a 20-metre free kick.
At the other end, Coyne was well set up just outside the penalty box in the 25th minute but fired well wide.
Coyne hit the post with a fierce drive in the 49th minute before Rukavytsya finished off a counter from the Glory with a low drive at the near post in the 55th minute.
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