Western Sydney’s remarkable victory over Asian juggernauts Guangzhou Evergrande has has been overshadowed by a furious tirade from World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi.
The Wanderers overcame what seemed insurmountable odds to conquer one of Asia’s richest and most successful clubs 1-0 in the first leg of their Asian Champions League quarter-final at Parramatta Stadium on Wednesday.
But the match ended in controversy as two Evergrande players were sent off in the dying stages sparking an uncharacteristically irate Lippi to rush the field.
A lone strike from Tomi Juric on the hour was enough to seal victory as the Wanderers managed to withstand all the pace and power of the ACL title holders and three-time Chinese Super League champions, who boast a glut of internationals in their ranks.
But the biggest talking point remained the bizarre final stages which now sets up an intriguing second instalment in China next Wednesday.
With Guangzhou still desperately seeking an equaliser as the clock wound down tensions began to fray with Zeng Linpeng sent off for elbowing Wanderers striker Mark Bridge in the 88th minute.
But the match descended into chaos moments later when Gao Lin appeared unfairly red carded in the 90th minute for a foul on Vitor Saba, who was making his Wanderers debut.
Lippi couldn’t contain his anger, taking to the field to confront the referee.
Post match the Italian was somewhat in damage control as he launched into an explanation of his actions, taking no questions from media before storming out of the press conference.
“I’m not upset about the match that we lost,” he said through an interpreter.
“I know I wasn’t supposed to go on the field but you also watched the match and the two red cards. The first one I didn’t see very clearly but the second one was very close to me so I saw that it was not on purpose.
“I’ve been been to all the biggest competitions like World Cups, Champions League and I know it was wrong to go in the field. But I just wanted to ask why he gave the second red card.
“After the match I went to see the referee to apologise and to ask more information about the decision but they didn’t let me speak to him.”
Lippi, who also appeared to manhandle Saba on the field, didn’t have much to say about the match itself expect: “We have our second match at home so we’ll see what happens next Wednesday.”
Wanderers coach Tony Popovic thought if anything Lippi got off lightly for not being reprimanded for his antics.
“Coaches cannot go in the pitch. If I went on to the pitch I’m sure I would have ben sent off,” he said.
“We all disagree with the decisions that referees make and we voice our opinions from the sideline, but you don’t go on to the pitch and manhandle a player.
“So that I can’t accept.”
As for the result Popovic said he wasn’t at all surprised his side came away victors despite being in the A-League off season.
“We told you yesterday that we believe we can win. They’re not just words,” he said.
“I see the players every day in training so I can see the belief they have and the effort they’re putting in.
“Guangzhou were frustrated, they’re not used to losing games.
“So it was a fantastic win for us.”
Catnap
Guest
My my an Italian coach complaining about players acting what is the world coming too?????
Josh
Guest
Nailed it, it was an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors.
Phutbol
Guest
Absolutely wrong Ginger71. I replayed that a number of times on my IQ and the Ghanzou player has both feet on the ground next to Saba who is already prone on the ground. he could easily have strolled away from the player but instead he lifted his leg and kicked at Saba's face,then pulled it back as if accidental. I'm no bio-mechanical expert but I cant see any reason why his foot needed to be anywhere near where it was. Red card.
Ginger71
Guest
second red was never a send off, the referee totally lost control, wasnt in the right position to judge it, you can see saba fell in front of the chinese guy running in and he couldnt get out of the way quick enough, he tried to pull his leg out, which then made it look worse than it was. It was a hack fest from both sides towards the end. Agree Lippi's behaviour was totally unacceptable. Saba is a goose that shouldnt have been out their as long as he was with his hacking and mouthing off, and La Rocco should have got more than a yellow for his poor performance, it caused the initial red, the chinese guy was stupid enough to retaliate. Poor refereeing all round. I was unimpressed with both sides.
Brian Orange
Roar Guru
Popovic is correct. Managers or coaches are not allowed on the field and certainly not allowed to push players like that. What if Saba had retaliated, he would have been sent off. Lippi should not be allowed to coach from the sidelines for the return leg and should be banished to the stands.
Realfootball
Guest
I was worried about his heart. Lippi is no spring chicken.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Ref completely lost control of the game, the players and the sidelines. Never a good sight especially at this level. I know the players should be more professional in their conduct but the officials are there for a reason. It was an epic encounter without the drama.
Gr8rWeStr
Guest
The match report on the official AFC Champions League site has Juric as the scorer. Golec's shot probably would have gone in without any touch from Juric, and the touch wasn't obvious but its gone down as a Juric goal. http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/clubs/afc-champions-league.html
Jukes01
Guest
I was up really late last night after having dozed off and I thought I would tweet that fact to Antony. He had a laugh and claimed that he was just happy they got the win. A typical answer from a defender, needs to be more selfish. It was YOUR goal Antony and Tomi stole it and claimed it as his own. He must have been buzzing after the win as the tweet I sent was at 3 - 3.30 am. Claims he was watching a movie in response to another tweet. Sure you were Antony, sure you were :))
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
Please correct. Tomi Juric didn't score the goal, Antony Golec did.
Kasey
Guest
As is usual in the football world, the big and famous can do pretty much what they want. Lippi is a 'name' and AFC will bring out their special disciplinary soft feather to administer a light slap over the wrist for this. Incorrectly sent off? the second Red carded Evergrande players foot made contact with the head of the WSW player. looked like a kick to me in real time. I cant blame the ref for thinking the same. Its not like the ref was Ben Williams and looking for a reason to card every player. All in all it sounds like the Guangzhou group are not used to losing and were having an epic sook at being out-hussled by the WSW.