Just as the opening half of Central Coast Mariners’ first AFC Champions League Elite fixture away to Shandong Taishan was petering out, proceedings well and truly burst into life.
With two-time reigning Isuzu UTE A-League champions Mariners trailing 1-0 deep into first-half stoppage time, Mikel Doka stepped up to a convert a penalty in the ninth minute of additional time but that was only the beginning of the drama.
Shandong thought the referee had blown the whistle for half-time, however, he was instead reviewing a potential penalty following a foul on Brad Tapp.
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After the VAR review, Central Coast were sensationally awarded a spot-kick, much to the anger of Shandong, whose protests were ferocious.
The drama did not end there as Central Coast players surrounded the penalty spot to ensure no Shandong player damaged the area before Doka stepped up to try to convert.
Mariners forward Ryan Edmondson was clearly frustrated as the Englishman was booked before being seen saying, “This is a f****** joke” due to the extended delay in play.
Once play resumed, Brazilian star Doka made no mistake from the spot – prompting a celebration in front of the Shandong fans, with the Mariner giving the hosts the silent treatment.
It did not go down well with the Shandong players as goalkeeper Wang Dalei pushed Doka before his teammates surrounded the Mariners full-back, with tempers threatening to boil over.
