Wellington Phoenix’s extraordinary 1-0 win over Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Saturday has done nothing to dispel the theory that the A-League disproportionately favours certain teams.
That was one of the craziest finishes we’ve ever seen to an A-League game. When referee Shaun Evans awarded his second penalty within the space of 90 stoppage-time seconds, it looked like the Sky Blues had earned a get out of jail free card.
But for the second time in less than two minutes, Sydney FC’s star English striker Adam Le Fondre missed from the penalty spot – skewing his second effort wide after Wellington keeper Oli Sail saved his initial spot-kick.
It was a disastrous sequence of events for Le Fondre but vindication, of sorts, for the Phoenix – who were incensed with the officiating.
Evans had earlier dismissed Wellington striker Bozhidar Kraev for a second bookable offence, before handing a straight red to Nicholas Pennington for violent conduct after the substitute grabbed Sydney FC attacker Max Burgess by the throat.
The Kiwis were already 1-0 up thanks to Oskar Zawada’s well-taken tenth-minute goal, but Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay looked like he was about to spontaneously combust on the touchline following the two dismissals.
The first red card looked harsh, even if the Bulgarian Kraev caught Sydney FC substitute Adrian Segecic from behind, while Pennington gave Evans little option once he raised his hands to Burgess – who also copped a yellow card after the pair squared up to each other.
But it was the decision to award Sydney FC their first penalty that should raise questions.
In defence of Evans, he not only made the decision quickly but did so in real time, after it genuinely looked like Phoenix defender Tim Payne handled the ball.
But replays suggested neither the cross from Burgess nor the header from Le Fondre touched Payne’s hand – so why didn’t VAR overturn it?
Oli Sail spared the A-Leagues’ blushes – and subsequently gave Evans a mouthful – only for the referee to then award Sydney FC a second penalty for handball from the resultant follow-up!
Once again Le Fondre went for power, only to blast his second spot-kick effort wide.
It was one of the craziest finishes we’ve ever witnessed and will do nothing to dispel the growing online conspiracy theory that the Australian Professional Leagues is desperate for the Sydney teams to make the finals.
Yet the behaviour of one of the Melbourne sides should also have raised some eyebrows.
Wellington Phoenix fans (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Prior to their 4-0 annihilation of Western United in Saturday night’s grand final rematch, Melbourne City took it upon themselves to unilaterally ban active supporters from buying tickets behind the goal.
Viewers tuning in on Channel Ten and Paramount – who must be wondering what on earth they’ve signed up for – were greeted by the sight of black tarps covering almost three entire bays normally occupied by The City Terrace.
One fan on Twitter even alleged he was told to leave in the 70th minute because he’d a bought a General Admission ticket after supposedly being banned.
And while Melbourne City supporters were hardly blameless in the events that caused last month’s Melbourne derby to be postponed, City’s decision to cut off ticket sales to their home end sets a dangerous precedent.
Mind you, with some Western United supporters complaining about chants directed at City goalkeeper Tom Glover from their own Western Service Crew, we shouldn’t turn a blind eye to the fact that far too many young men still believe the A-League offers the perfect smokescreen for anti-social behaviour.
APL chief Danny Townsend is set to sit down with supporter groups once again this week – nothing will come of it, of course, and the league will host the grand final in Sydney to thousands of empty seats – and he’d do well to ensure his name doesn’t become synonymous with mismanagement.
Because we can’t go on tuning into A-League games full of empty seats forever, and events this weekend have done little to dispel the notion the APL is only interested in a select few teams.
Pete Rodeka
Roar Rookie
In regard to the Sydney v Nix game, Steve Corica's after match conference was notable for what was said and what was not said. During the short four minutes of the interview Corica stated four times that the goal conceded by Sydney was scored while they had only ten men on the field. My calculation shows this period lasted for less than three minutes! During that time, and before the goal was scored, there were two throw-ins when a substitution could have been made. What was not said concerned the time Sydney themselves played against a depleted team. The Nix played with ten men for 15 minutes and then another 14 minutes with only nine players.
Grem
Roar Rookie
I will - thanks.
At work
Roar Rookie
Anyway, what's happened to the A League All Access show???
At work
Roar Rookie
I'd attend the GF if it was at Allianz (or Parramatta if two smaller drawing teams) as a neutral, although that doesn't mean I think it's the right decision to be hosted in Sydney.
At work
Roar Rookie
I don't think we should go back to having the FA control the professional league / top division (A League), but I wouldn't mind an independent commission running the APL, rather then a bunch of club representatives.
At work
Roar Rookie
You should give them a follow on Twitter, Insta or Facebook, they sell merch and have fundraisers which allows them to spend on making awesome tifo's
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
almost as many former Roar academy players at Glory as at MV, and looks like Amini's an academy graduate too, of the acting kind.
Cavaquinho
Roar Rookie
Ha, ha, thanks for asking! There appear to be some green shoots as President Obama said when trying to talk up economic recovery from the Global Financial Crisis. Zadkovich seems very rough around the edges but has made some interesting judgements (eg putting Jelacic ahead of Colli in the starting 11) that suggest a level of astuteness that is encouraging. I like him using Cook, though the goal conceded tonight against Roar wasn’t a great advertisement for his talents. Taggart may make a difference if he stays fit but when you look at the squad it needs strengthening if Zadkovich is to achieve anything significant.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
You are so right. Just listen to the few of us who in the past have pointed out the East Coast bias. Only to be told it must be an 'Adelaide thing' or something in the water over here. All I really want is for the many NSW and Vic teams to endure for one or more seasons the absolute 'shi*e' we have to put up with, then get told we are just plain wrong. We know the truth even if those on the East Coast refuse to acknowledge it.
Mike Tuckerman
Expert
How do you reckon they’re doing? Happy with Ruben Zadkovich so far?
Cavaquinho
Roar Rookie
Just to prove you’re wrong, I came on here to talk about Perth Glory. There, I’ve done it.
Cavaquinho
Roar Rookie
7.30pm in my draw….
Grem
Roar Rookie
We can only buy Australians as we have five imports. Rodwell, injury free is good so play Gurd with him. Caballo was a waste of an import spot - unless an import is top class or in a position you really need - go Aussie. Last weekend showed why we need a 10. All we did was take it up a wing and lump in a poor cross, which Le Fondre had no chance to do anything with.
Blood Dragon
Roar Rookie
Talay has applied for the All Whites job likely meaning that he will Dual Manage the Nix and All Whites if he gets the job like Riki Herbert did
Garry
Roar Rookie
Its only gossip like Talay’s name, we all know Sydney FC needs a coach & Corica is the likely first sacking so names are being thrown around. Personally I read Baumjohann got a coaching certificate recently so Id offer the job to him!
Garry
Roar Rookie
January window hopefully :silly:
Garry
Roar Rookie
Id play Wood for 60 mins then bring Adam on.. I was thinking Mak was overrated but he looks a very good striker, maybe play him more central. At least Lolley will be back.. and Rodwell looks injury free atm (drop Donachie for one of the youngsters, we’d lose nothing short term & may gain long term)
Adam
Roar Guru
You should ask the cricket fans about the weather in Sydney this time of year...
Steve3557
Roar Rookie
you missed out then, I was at the Mariners game and then watched the SFC Wellington game delayed after I got home. I know which was the better one and the other just left me feeling sorry for Wellington.
Steve3557
Roar Rookie
Well played, couldn't agree more in your comments. A bit dismayed at the chatter going on about SFC and Victory keeping tabs on Monty though.