As expected, Football Federation Australia (FFA) on Monday issued Miron Bleiberg a “please explain” over the Gold Coast United coach’s extraordinary post-game rant.
But only after the extrovert mentor released a statement apologising for his sensational comments following a heartbreaking 3-2 A-League loss to Sydney FC.
Never one to go backward in coming forward, Bleiberg tried to explain Sunday’s outburst in which he not only claimed referee Peter Green favoured hosts Sydney FC but also hinted that the FFA were intent on ensuring the Sky Blues were successful.
Facing a heavy fine and possible two-game ban, Bleiberg was quick to get on the front foot on Monday by issuing an early morning release regarding his amazing outburst.
And the colourful Bleiberg had plenty of explaining to do after sensationally referring to Green as a “homey” – a referee who favours the home team – after his team led 2-0 only to lose following a stoppage time penalty.
Bleiberg said the comments were made in the heat of the moment.
“What you say 24 minutes after the game is not what you would say 24 hours after the game and if I had time to evaluate what I was going to speak about then on reflection I would have expressed myself differently,” said Bleiberg.
“We lost a goal and lost the game in the final 30 seconds of the contest and naturally my emotions and disappointment were running very high at that time, just as they were in our dressing room.
“Perhaps my emotions got the better of me and if I offended anyone then I apologise for that.
“It was more an expression of disappointment made in the heat of the moment.
“The match was a spectacle and a great advertisement for the A-League in which we contributed to the best of our ability.
“Credit should go to Sydney for their comeback and the character they showed.”
United CEO Clive Mensink did not wish to comment when contacted by AAP on Monday.
An FFA official said a final decision on Bleiberg’s outburst would be made on Tuesday.
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