After a memorable build-up to Unite Round’s Sydney Derby, Sydney FC star Joe Lolley delivered the perfect riposte to critics of a heavily criticised golf game in the lead-up to the clash after scoring the opening goal.
Sydney FC went on to win an epic encounter at Allianz Stadium 4-2, headlined by a masterclass from Anas Ouahim off the bench and a Patryk Klimala sealer, but it is perhaps Lolley’s strike – or more accurately the celebration that followed – that will live longest in the memory.
The Englishman struck in the 33rd minute and proceeded to celebrate with a golf swing.
In the build-up to the match, Lolley and teammate Jordan Courtney-Perkins were at the centre of fan backlash after an Instagram story revealed they had played a round of golf with Derby rivals Juan Mata and Marcus Antonsson in the week of the game.
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On social media, heavy criticism followed.
Courtney-Perkins was asked about the incident and told the Sydney Morning Herald: “I spoke with a couple of people at training, and maybe the timing of it wasn’t ideal. That’s something I probably should have thought about.
“It’s a lack of judgement from me. At the end of the day, we all have our lives outside of football, and mine certainly involves a lot of golf. But that doesn’t change how I approach the game or my mentality going into the game.
“As soon as that whistle blows, I’m honoured to wear this jersey and I still hate the Wanderers.”
Lolley pulling out a golf-themed celebration was a cheeky response to the criticism which will only add to the growing rivalry and folklore that continues to make this fixture arguably the biggest in all of Australian football.
To add to the lore, Courtney-Perkins went on to score Sydney’s second goal of the evening, while Antonsson also hit the board for the Wanderers, assisted by – you guessed it – Mata.
Just another moment to add to the rich history of the Sydney Derby.
