Newcastle’s Georgian striker Beka Mikeltadze has unveiled a t-shirt tribute to invasion-hit Ukraine after scoring from the penalty spot in his team’s 2-2 A-League Men draw with Macarthur FC.
Mikeltadze’s penalty took his tally to seven goals from 10 games for the Jets this season and cancelled out Tomislav Uskok’s 21st minute opener for Macarthur at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
A wonder strike from Tommy Oar in the second half looked to have secured the Bulls a win but substitute Eli Babalj popped up with a late header to level for the home side.
“That’s just given me goosebumps”: Mikeltadze’s poignant celebration
After netting the Jets’ equaliser from the spot, Newcastle’s Georgian striker Beka Mikeltadze added his voice to the chorus of support emanating out of the football community to the people of Ukraine after the events of the past week, with Russian president Vladimir Putin instigating his nation’s invasion of neighbouring country Ukraine.
The applause in McDonald Jones Stadium rose in volume and enthusiasm as Mikeltadze sparked an emotional moment which played out in Newcastle.
“It’s a special moment from the Georgian, it’s a special moment at McDonald Jones Stadium,” said Paramount+ commentator Ben Homer as the touching moment unfolded.
“That’s just given me goosebumps,” added Phil Moss on co-commentary.
Newcastle played expansive, attacking football but defensive lapses cost them dearly as their search for back-to-back wins under Arthur Papas goes on.
Uskok outjumped Jordan Elsey from a Craig Noone corner to give Ante Milicic’s Bulls the lead.
The Jets responded with intensity and, after surviving an onslaught on goal in the 32nd minute, Macarthur relieved some pressure when they moved the ball up field.
As they did so referee Adam Kersey was called aside for a VAR review after Lachlan Rose had appeared to handle the ball in the Macarthur box.
Kersey pointed to the spot and Mikeltadze slotted past Filip Kurto with ease as he fired to the keeper’s left.
The Georgia striker then ran behind the Macarthur goal, picked up a bag and unfurled a t-shirt bearing the Ukrainian flag.
Mikeltadze was surrounded by his Newcastle teammates as he lifted the t-shirt to the crowd and then placed it on the advertising hoarding behind the Macarthur goal.
Sam Silvera had the chance to double the Jets’ lead but his effort on the stroke of half-time hit the crossbar and bounced clear of play.
Their wastefulness looked to have proved costly when Oar scored a well-cushioned volley on the hour mark after the Jets failed to properly clear the ball.
Newcastle goalkeeper Jack Duncan couldn’t get anywhere near it and Milicic’s men looked to be cruising to victory.
But Brazilian midfielder Daniel Penha whipped in a cross towards Babalj who headed goalward straight after coming onto the field.
His header deflected off Macarthur defender Liam Rose and past Kurto into the net.
Babalj thought he had given Newcastle a winner in added time but he was called back for offside.
RE-LIVE: Jets v Bulls, as it happened
By Matt Comito for KEEPUP
FULL-TIME: NEWCASTLE 2-2 MACARTHUR
Eli Babalj had the ball in the back of the net for the second time late in the contest – but an offside call squandered Newcastle’s chance to snatch all three points in an enthralling contest which ended 2-2.
GOAL! Babalj off the bench to get Jets back level (6.45pm AEDT)
Eli Babalj has made the instant impact for the Jets, coming off the bench and forcing a header off the shoulder of Bulls defender Liam Rose, sending the ball back towards his own goal, off the crossbar and into the back of the net.
It’s 2-2 in Newcastle in a back-and-forth, entertaining contest – we’ve got a grandstand finish on our hands at McDonald Jones Stadium.
GOAL! Tommy Oar ‘worldie’ alert – ‘You have stolen the show’ (6.26pm AEDT)
How about that from Tommy Oar!
For the second time in just over two weeks, the former Socceroo has rattled the back of the net with a sizzling volley from distance.
“Tommy Oar you have stolen the show!” Said Paramount+ co-commentator Phil Moss.
“Any young kid watching that, that is the technique you need.”
GOAL! Mikeltadze equalises from the spot (5.39pm AEDT)
Beka Mikeltadze has equalised from the spot after a VAR enquiry found Lachie Rose handled the ball after a Mario Arques bicycle kick inside the box.
Mikeltadze took the ball out of the hands of Macarthur keeper and slid his strike into the bottom-right corner to draw the home side level.
GOAL! Uskok makes Jets pay (5.28pm AEDT)
Tomislav Uskok returns to the Macarthur starting XI with a bang.
The Jets had the best of the early chances, with Olivier Boumal going close and a deflected strike dropping onto the roof of the net. But down the other end it was the Bulls showing the clinical touch, and it was all too easy for Uskok to rise high at a corner and head past Jack Duncan.
KICK-OFF (5.05pm AEDT)
It’s clear skies in Adelaide for the Liberty A-League, but Macarthur and the Jets kick off in the Newcastle gloom.
The Bulls can close to within one point of second-placed Melbourne City with a win on the road, whilst the Jets will look to accrue the three points needed to return to the finals equation.
PRE-MATCH
There’s a clear gap opening up between the contenders and pretenders on the A-League Men’s table – but three wins from five have seen the Jets attempt to bridge that gap and join the finals hunt.
Angus Thurgate’s inspiring form helped Newcastle to a 1-0 win over Western Sydney in midweek; another three-point display against Macarthur FC on Saturday could bring the Jets to within a point of the top six depending on other results.
But defeating the Bulls will be no simple task. Ulises Dávila has hit his stride at his new club and is primed to excel at McDonald Jones Stadium after scoring the all-important goal in his side’s recent 1-0 win over Perth.