Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey says he was confused by some key refereeing decisions in his team’s 2-1 home loss to Adelaide United on Sunday.
In a high-tempo, attacking game, Brisbane were undone by a James Donachie own goal in the second half.
Though the Roar pushed forward in the closing stages, they were unable to find an equaliser.
There cause was not helped by the dismissal of Matt McKay for dissent in the 72ndminute, or a controversial decision by referee Ben Williams not to award a penalty when Henrique was tackled by Tarek Elrich in injury time.
Mulvey was clear in his thoughts on whether the referee should have pointed to the spot.
“Penalty,” he said when asked how he saw the incident.
“The laws of the game, from my understanding, are that if you tackle or attempt to tackle someone from behind, even if you win the ball, you’ve gone through the back of somebody.
“I’m a layman but that’s my reading of the situation, so I was surprised that we didn’t get a penalty for that.
“If that was a tackle anywhere else on the field (and not in the penalty area), it’s a foul.
As for McKay’s sending off, the Roar coach said it was very out-of-character for the veteran.
“I haven’t spoken to anybody about that right now but I’ve known Matt for 15 years and the only thing I’ll say is, you’ve got to ask the question, I’ve never ever seen him upset, ever.
“Pleasant guy, played at the highest level, he’s the head of the PFA, so something has upset him.
“I’m going to leave that up to you.”
