Jade North got exactly what he deserved on Saturday night, costing Brisbane Roar an important two points courtesy of an outrageous piece of play-acting.
North went down like he’d been shot by the proverbial sniper after going toe-to-toe with Melbourne City skipper Bruno Fornaroli in their rancorous 1-1 draw at AAMI Park.
Football Federation Australia would be well within their rights to throw the book at North, who cost his team a goal when City simply played on and set up Nicolas Colazo for his first ever A-League strike.
At worst, Fornaroli was guilty of grazing North’s chin with an open palm when the Uruguayan reacted angrily to North’s strong challenge.
Not only was North’s subsequent reaction a blatant case of simulation, it was also out of character for a veteran generally renowned as one of the cooler heads in the A-League.
North will be lucky to avoid a suspension from the Match Review Panel and he’s already been slammed by many Roar supporters online.
But before we skewer the former Socceroo – and sometimes with cases of simulation, there’s a tendency to overreact and make the situation seem worse than it was – it’s worth considering the context of the match.
Make no mistake, Saturday night’s showdown made for great theatre.
And there was no bigger plotline than the bad blood between rival coaches John van’t Schip and John Aloisi.
But in delivering a series of stinging barbs before the match, did the two coaches go too far in the build-up to what has developed into an increasingly bitter rivalry?
City goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis was booked for his over-the-top celebrations following Colazo’s goal, after which the Fox Sports cameras caught Roar coach Aloisi aiming a string of expletives towards his rival bench.
Aloisi may live to regret his comments last month when he called for harsh punishments to help stamp out simulation.
“That’s not in the Australian culture, we don’t want it in our game,” Aloisi said.
He’s right, and if the punishment fits the crime, then North is facing a suspension.
But what was Aloisi originally referring to again? That’s right – Melbourne City midfielder Neil Kilkenny’s laughable play-acting against Adelaide United back in Round 4!
So it’s not like City have a leg to stand on, if you’ll pardon the pun, when it comes to complaining about players going down too easily.
At the very least it was good to see City play to the whistle and refuse to kick the ball out of play on the back of North’s antics.
We should also credit Nick Fitzgerald and Colazo for expertly timing their runs, with the latter showing signs that he could yet become a crucial player for City.
Like his Wanderers counterpart Nico Martinez, former Boca Juniors star Colazo has proved a welcome addition to a league in which the standard of foreign imports continues to rise.
The startling admission that Sydney FC star Milos Ninkovic recently turned down overtures from the Serbian national team proves yet again that the quality of the A-League is better than many give it credit for.
Sydney made short work of the Newcastle Jets yesterday afternoon – wasn’t it great to see Bernie Ibini back on the scoresheet? – but Adelaide’s 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix was the more entertaining affair.
Henrique’s two goals were both from the top shelf, while Eugene Galekovic once again proved himself one of the A-League’s most reliable goalkeepers by saving Roy Krishna’s poorly-hit penalty.
The Reds may have only won their first game of the season, but there are plenty of parallels with the team that started so poorly last season before going on to win the championship.
Adelaide will travel to Suncorp Stadium next Sunday and they’re likely to face a Brisbane Roar side missing their defensive lynchpin, North.
The veteran centre-back isn’t known for engaging in gamesmanship, but he got exactly what he deserved on Saturday night.
MattCracka
Guest
Fixturing is an issue. I was in Melbourne twice in November. Wanted to see a game. Both times there wasn't a game on in Melbourne. Seems ridiculous.
Savic
Guest
I like it! That's the spirit ?
Mike Tuckerman
Expert
Excellent point, Karl. I absolutely think it does have a negative effect.
Buddy
Guest
Sorry for late response Waz....I am overseas for a while and not seeing articles with the same frequency as I normally would. Traditionally, crowds are based partly upon core support, the casual or curious observer and the drawing power of the opposition and finally, the travelling fans. My question was more around trying to understand why crowds for WSW and MC were smaller for Brisbane. I don't get it when I consider history, past encounters and their league position.
Mike Tuckerman
Expert
"The fans and the team are the ones that suffered here Mike." Jade has suffered too. Not only were his actions viewed dimly by his own club, but his reputation has suffered a blow too. But what I meant by the comment "he got exactly what he deserved" is that Melbourne City scored, and end up drawing, on the back of North's antics. Whether he received further sanction was always going to a question for the club and FFA, but I reckon costing your team two points was a pretty appropriate outcome.
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
Yeh well I just found a Newscorp survey that asks "Should the A-League step in and punish Jade North over the incident"? Where an astounding 94% have voted yes. The resulting 6% that voted for no, accounted for 1141 votes, apparently? At least we know it's not all MCFC fans voting for 'yes' cause there just ain't that many of them.
Lionheart
Guest
fair call, but in large part it's Roar fans calling for some response because we expect high standards from our players. I'm comfortable with the response.
Lionheart
Guest
thanks Waz I say, let other clubs worry about themselves, we can only worry about us. This, in context, is a good response by North and Roar
j binnie
Guest
Punter- this 5.10 pm comment is probably the most sensible thing you have written about this topic.I have been watching football for many many years and if I was to pocket a quid for every time I have seen "simulation' or "diving' as it was known, today I would be a very very wealthy man. So why has this instance gained such publicity..Is it due to the nonsense that had been going on all week from 2 people who should know better.??? If North and or Fornaroli should be "punished" what then should happen to the sources of the problem, people on national television shouting and screaming at officials,and each other while in another weekend game,probably the quIetest ,best behaved coach in the HAL,was serving a 2 week sentence for "touching" not "hitting" mind your, just for touching a fourth official. I think that may be where the root of the problem lies. Cheers jb..
Karl
Guest
Poor Fixturing and a cup final isn't helping. Victory played at home Saturday and Friday. City played at home Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday. 5 games of Football in Melb in 7 days isn't going to get the neutral to all unfortunately especially at the ridiculous prices both clubs charge in comparison to the Big Bat League. This season Victory and City seem to be playing on the same weekend at home a lot compared to the early days of ulternating weekends. This also might have a negative effect.
Waz
Guest
There's two halves to this, what North said is: "“I’d like to apologise first and foremost to all the football fans out there, and secondly to everyone at the Roar — the supporters, the players, the staff and the coaching staff,” North said. “I also apologise to my opponent (Fornaroli), Melbourne City and everyone that was involved. It’s not a good look. People that have known me throughout my whole career know that’s not what I’d normally do. “I just got caught up in the heat of the moment. It’s a reaction that’s well out of my character. It’s pretty shameful. I always like to play in the spirit of the game, and always have respect for my teammates and who I play against.” Which is a satisfactory response. He is the first player (I think) to fully apologise like this. The other half is what the club actually did as they said it was dealt with "behind closed doors" which fans are a little suspicious of but here we hit the reality of the situation - the PFA will not allow him to be fined or suspended so it's as far as a club can go without a change in the laws. So I'm done on this topic. I'm happy for the response of BRFC, The player and the fans to be compared against any other club in a similar situation, past or future - I don't think there's anyone better. P.S. Over to you CFG ....
matthew_gently
Guest
I hope Brisbane Roar admin. have read your comment and taken note.
matthew_gently
Guest
I remember booing Shane Smeltz in that Roar/Glory Grand Final a few years back, only to later find out that he'd almost had his nose ripped from his face. Ever since that, I always think twice about the accusation of taking a fall, or a feigned injury.
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
All this condemnation is a bit over the top don't you think? Mike says "Football Federation Australia would be well within their rights to throw the book at North" Really Mike, if that is what you honestly think like some of the others on here then I'm just glad he doesn't do it every game like one other does here in the HAL, and I'm sure as hell glad he doesn't come crashing in with some horrendously dangerous tackles the like as we have seen this season so far.....and were not even halfway through. All these comments from some demanding or suggesting he be given a one game suspension, or a weeks loss of wages or even on another Forum one called for him to be banned for 6 months? WTF! Some need to stand back and drop the oh so high and mighty and look in their own backyard. This was in incident where it was embarrassing, a cheap shot with some pathetic childish theatrics thrown in just because an opponent brushed or contacted North's face with his fingers, nothing more nothing less and yes, I'm sure North will never forget it but it shouldn't define who the guy is as a player or as a person. From calls for the FFA to intervene and punish and for even for the FFA to actually consider doing so is to me anyway, just mind boggling. If such questions are asked or such demands are considered or even met then what about the more serious incidents that happen in our league week in week out. What about the tackle on Cahill the other night from (I think) Brilliante during the FFA Final when he came in from behind and hit Cahills left knee when he had no chance of getting the ball? What about the tackle when Santalab came crashing in from behind on Holland some weeks ago and even had the gall to walk away smirking after he done it? What happened over that? Even earlier in the same game Clisby came ripping in from behind and wiped out Cirio awarding him a 2-3 month rehab holiday after tearing his right knee Medial Ligament? No outcry, no condemnation, no nothing and certainly no intervention from the FFA. I for one absolutely condemn cheating and that is what Jade North attempted, I hate the fact it is in our game and it actually leads to goals, penalties, players being sent-off and heartache for the clubs and more importantly, the fans who pay their hard earned to see such. But if we are to demand or propose a club should take action or a sporting body should take away points or fine or both then should we not be looking at doing so with those who commit and to this day continue to commit such horrendous tackles on others who are not only playing the game we all love but also playing to get through without their careers being cut short? Cause that is what some of these tackles are, career ending and I just think we should be looking there first before looking at hanging out some guy that's demonstrated how hiss poor an actor he is where he's going to have this hang over his head relatively close to his retirement.
tully101
Roar Guru
what punishemnt would you give bruno tho? the only reasonable one is a 50% pay cut from his weekly wage
Waz
Guest
Clearly Broich is not a very good "penalty puller" as we get awarded few penalties each season.
Lionheart
Guest
This is from the Roar newsletter sent to members this afternoon: Brisbane Roar Football Club and defender Jade North would like to acknowledge that his conduct in the incident with Melbourne City’s Bruno Fornaroli in the second half of last Saturday night’s match was unacceptable behaviour. North is sincerely apologetic to the Club, playing group and supporters for letting game-related emotions get the better of him causing an error of judgement during the match. Brisbane Roar’s Vice Captain is disappointed with his actions. As a Club, we do not condone simulation. Brisbane Roar Football Club know that this is an isolated incident and believe North is an excellent leader and ambassador of our Club and our game. This matter has been dealt with internally. BRFC and Jade North will not be making any further comment.
Nemesis
Guest
So many things wrong with Football. Too expensive for kids. Too many draws. Boring. Diving. Low scoring. Yet, it's the most popular sport on earth and more people in Australia want to play this rubbish sport than all the other wonderful sports on offer. What a wonderful crisis we have with Football in Australia - so many problems but still more popular than the other sports.
Lionheart
Guest
yes, just received my copy. It's a good step to take.
Josh
Guest
I was a member of the Waratahs for a while before the Wanderers brought me home to football. Australians don't like Rugby, it's dead.