Sydney FC defender Jake Girdwood-Reich saw his yellow card for a challenge on Socceroos striker Adam Taggart upgraded to red after a lengthy VAR review in his side’s clash with Perth Glory on Wednesday night.
The Sky Blues travelled to HBF Park buoyed by a win over Central Coast Mariners in Round 22 and Ufuk Talay’s side looked to continue momentum in Perth. Sydney took an early lead against Glory from the penalty spot, before Girdwood-Reich received his marching orders.
The 19-year-old initially received a yellow card from referee Alex King for dragging Taggart down as the Golden Boot contender attempted to control a lofted through ball aimed towards the edge of the penalty area.
The delivery initially seemed to fade behind both Taggart and Girdwood-Reich before the latter dragged the former to the ground with what Paramount+ co-commentator Daniel McBreen described as a “rugby tackle.”
Watch the incident below.
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“It’s a rudimentary challenge to say the least, from Jake Girdwood-Reich,” McBreen said, reviewing the incident on the telecast.
“He got himself on the wrong side – and you can see what Adam Taggart thinks: it’s a rugby tackle. And he thinks it should be a red.
“It’s gone behind Adam Taggart but you have to think: if Girdwood-Reich doesn’t throw in the rugby tackle, does the ball go to him or does Taggart pull it in off the chest?”
“Do you think it’s a red card?” Asked lead commentator Ben Homer.
“I think it could be,” replied McBreen. “If the tackle didn’t come in, the rugby tackle, would’ve Taggart been able to take that ball on his chest and go forward with it? Where does the contact first happen?
“As that ball comes in, you’re looking to see (when) Taggart would probably try and guide that ball with his chest across from Girdwood-Reich and be in on goal. I would say he is in trouble.
“Look at the other defenders as well, Courtney-Perkins is nowhere near there. If that shove doesn’t happen, I think Taggart takes that ball on his chest and he rolls Girdwood-Reich and he’s away.”
McBreen added at half-time: “I think they got the decision right. Unlucky for the young man – he’s been sensational for Sydney this season.”
Sydney FC would go on to concede a second-half equaliser to Perth but held on to secure a hard-earned point on the road.
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