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Already hit with a one-match ban, Queensland enforcer Danny Tiatto faces the prospect of further disciplinary action as the Roar’s A-League semi-finals preparation went from bad to worse.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) on Monday issued a “please explain” over the former Socceroo’s reaction to a red card issued in Queensland’s 2-0 minor semi-final first leg win over Central Coast last Friday night.
The Roar must submit a response to the FFA over Tiatto’s fiery send off but won’t know until Wednesday whether his one match ban will be extended.
Tiatto was sent off in the 76th minute after receiving his second yellow card for a challenge on Mariners striker Dylan Macallister.
It ensured Tiatto would miss the second leg against the Mariners at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
But he could be in more hot water after the FFA ruled Tiatto’s reaction to referee Ben Williams giving him his marching orders breached the code of conduct.
Tiatto had to be dragged away by teammates after receiving his second yellow card.
“To the two yellow cards issued to Danny Tiatto in the first leg of the minor semi-final between Central Coast Mariners and Queensland Roar, Tiatto receives the mandatory one match suspension,” an FFA statement said on Monday.
“(FFA) has also alleged that Tiatto has breached the National Code of Conduct in relation to his conduct following the issue of the second yellow card.
“Queensland Roar and Tiatto have been asked to provide a response on this allegation.
“A decision will not be available on this matter until February 11.”
The Roar are already reeling with veteran defender Josh McCloughan (groin) being ruled out for two to three weeks – all but ending his finals series.
Queensland would have to make the February 28 grand final to give McCloughan a chance of playing again.
And skipper Craig Moore will be battling jet lag in the second leg minor semi-final clash.
He won’t return to Brisbane until Friday morning after featuring in the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier against Japan in Yokohama on Wednesday night.
In some good news, midfielder Matt McKay said he would soldier on despite breaking his nose against the Mariners last Friday night.
But his thoughts were only with McCloughan who will cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines at Suncorp Stadium.
“He’s been great for the last 10 weeks,” McKay said.
“It’s disappointing for his season to end that way.”
Luke DeVere is expected to replace McCloughan.
McKay did not have to be told that the Mariners would throw everything at a depleted Roar on Friday night after Queensland extended their undefeated record at Gosford.
But McKay said the Roar would also not be holding back as they vie to become only the second A-League team to win six straight home games.
“We like to attack, especially at home,” he said.
“We’ve got a good record the last five games so we’ll go out there and try to get a goal that will hopefully kill off the tie.”
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