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Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold say Tomas Rogic’s wild tackle which earned him a three-match ban was a result of frustration, not a character flaw.
Rising star Rogic has always been singled out for talent rather than tempest during a meteoric 12-month rise to become one of the A-League’s best players.
But the 20-year-old’s X-rated challenge on Sydney midfielder Rhyan Grant in an ill-tempered end to the Mariners’ loss last week brought a new layer of scrutiny for a player likely to be a key Socceroo for the next decade.
The lunge could have had dire consequences for Grant – also a young player feeling his way in the game.
Tellingly, the Mariners accepted the match review panel’s three-match ban which rules Rogic out of the New Year’s Eve clash with Perth Glory.
Arnold admitted it “wasn’t a great tackle”.
But he defended the youngster’s character, saying he would learn from an incident the coach blamed on pent-up frustration from a succession of fouls committed against the youngster.
“It’s a learning lesson for Tommy,” Arnold told reporters on the Central Coast on Sunday.
“He’s got to realise in his career, a player of his style is going to attract physical attention.
“(The ban) is very disappointing, because Tommy’s not that type of player.
“He’s an entertainer, he puts bums on seats and you see players get away with a lot plenty of other times.”
Arnold reiterated his post-match call that referees needed to do more to protect Rogic and players like him, saying the midfielder had been “lined up” several times during the match.
Also on Sunday, Sydney FC coach Frank Farina made a similar plea about his Italian star Alessandro Del Piero.
He will miss the Sky Blues’ away clash with Adelaide United on Monday because of niggling injury – Farina saying it was as a result of increased physical attention the 38-year-old has been getting during matches.
Arnold will also be without captain John Hutchinson, another sent off against Sydney FC, and leading goalscorer Daniel McBreen through suspension.
With veteran centre-half Patrick Zwaanswijk also out injured, Arnold has made Kiwi midfielder Michael McGlinchey skipper against the Glory at Bluetongue Stadium.
“It’s a great honour to be the stand-in captain for Hutch,” said McGlinchey, one of his side’s best in their top-of-the-table season so far.
“I’ve been at the club four years now and hopefully it can add to my game.”
Arnold will bring Adriano Pellegrino, Adam Kwasnik and Oliver Bozanic into the starting side to replace his suspended trio.
The Glory will be without centre-back Michael Thwaite following a bad calf injury sustained in the team’s draw with Western Sydney Wanderers last week.
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