ZCZC
BSP-15
FBL-AUS-ASIA
Wanderers boss sent off in feisty Sydney derby
SYDNEY, Oct 28, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Western Sydney Wanderers’ boss Markus Babbel was sent off in a feisty derby clash with Sydney FC as a VAR controversy overshadowed A-League action this weekend.
The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich defender was shown a straight red for his response to Roly Bonevacia’s goal being denied by the video assistant referee, which showed another player was offside.
Babbel lost his cool and confronted the fourth official, with Sydney FC going on to win 2-0 in a game played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
He claimed the reason for the disallowed goal was not adequately communicated, but apologised for his reaction.
“I have to apologise, my body language wasn’t good after this, but I haven’t said a word about the referee,” the former German international said.
“All I said was, ‘I can’t understand the decision, this is disgraceful.'”
It left the Wanderers with just one point from their opening two games.
Sydney FC have four points, but also injury worries after their Dutch star Siem de Jong, on loan from Ajax, hobbled off in injury time clutching his hamstring.
In other games, Melbourne City snatched a late 1-1 draw against the Central Coast Mariners, with substitute Dario Vidosic’s strike cancelling out a goal from Scotland forward Ross McCormack, on loan from Aston Villa.
The Newcastle Jets secured a point at Adelaide United in a 1-1 stalemate, while Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix played out a goalless draw.
BSS/AFP/AU/16:45 hrs