His teammate Michael Zullo felt it was “hilarious” but the A-League independent match review panel certainly didn’t think Danny Tiatto’s gesture was a laughing matter after throwing the book at the Brisbane Roar.
And Brisbane didn’t see the funny side after Tiatto and fellow midfielder Charlie Miller were banned in the fallout over the controversial 2-1 last round loss to the Melbourne Victory.
While Tiatto was hit with a one-match ban for his one-fingered salute to the Melbourne crowd, Miller was suspended for two games for “violent conduct” following an 87th-minute incident with ex-teammate Robbie Kruse.
The Roar have until Wednesday afternoon to respond.
Brisbane are already reeling from the loss of skipper Craig Moore (international duty) and Brazilian livewire Henrique (knee, 6-8 weeks) ahead of Sunday’s derby against Gold Coast United at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane and Melbourne were also charged with team misconduct for a first-half melee in last round’s fiery showdown at Etihad Stadium.
On a bad day for Tiatto, the Roar fined the ex-Socceroo for his rude gesture hours before the match review panel had unveiled their findings.
Tiatto was shown on television sticking his finger up at the crowd late in the match.
Told about the fine, recovering Roar youngster Zullo seemed to laugh off the incident at a promotion for Sunday’s Suncorp Stadium clash.
“I thought it was hilarious,” Zullo said before Tiatto’s ban was handed out.
“He won’t have a problem (with a fine), he will be fine.”
Brisbane CEO Peter McLennan took a more serious stance on Tiatto.
“The club fully supports Danny as a footballer and his enormous contribution to the club through his undeniable talent and commitment,” he said.
“However, in this instance the club does not condone his actions and believes it is not the right message to be sending to the thousands of young fans around the country.
“The club will not tolerate that level of behaviour from any player or staff member.
“Tiatto has been issued with a fine by the club, the sum of which will remain confidential.”
Tiatto’s previous record counted again him after he also gestured to the Melbourne crowd in January.
He also copped a one-game suspension during last season’s finals for violating the national code of conduct after abusing a referee.
The ban was suspended until round nine – which concluded on Monday.
Brisbane striker Sergio van Dijk admitted the team were already feeling the pinch after Henrique’s injury.
Scans on Thursday are set to reveal the full extent of his knee-ligament damage sustained against Melbourne but he is expected to be out for up to two months.
“It’s a big blow for us,” van Dijk said on Tuesday.
“We have seen in the last couple of games how important he is for us.
“But we have to handle it, and try to solve it.”
Zullo said he would not be fully fit until next round but midfielder Matt McKay (knee) and Andrew Packer (adductor) could run out against Gold Coast United.
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