A-Leagues debutant Bradley Tapp has been denied a first Central Coast Mariners goal, after a wild turn of events in their clash with Macarthur FC on Sunday afternoon.
Moments after Valere Germain gave the Bulls the lead at Industree Group Stadium, Tapp thought he had equalised for the home side.
Angel Torres’ cross was met by Alou Kuol’s head and seemingly his arm, before falling to Marco Tulio, whose shot smashed the post and fell at the feet of Tapp to bury into the back of the net from close range.
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The goal was originally disallowed by the offside flag, but after referee Adam Kersey consulted with his assistant, the goal was given.
However, during the ensuing celebrations, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) stepped in to deny the reigning Isuzu UTE A-League champions an equaliser.
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The Mariners went on to lose 2-1, with Kearyn Baccus adding Macarthur’s second in the dying moments to wrap up the victory. Brian Kaltak pulled one back for the Mariners to set up a grandstand finish, but it was too little, too late for the reigning champions.
Central Coast are now without a point from their opening two league games.
