After a dramatic night in Newcastle, Jets defender Daniel Mullen said his team’s red card shouldn’t be used as an excuse after their 3-1 loss to Brisbane Roar at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The night started well for the home after taking an early lead from the spot.
But Jason Hoffman was red carded after half an hour followed by a furious Jets coach Mark Jones who was sent to the stand by the referee for protesting the decision.
Roar return to top four with win over 10-man Jets
And it all went down hill from there for the Hunter outfit.
Roar powered past the home side to register three vital points after a difficult week in the ACL, while the Jets are now adrift of sixth by three points with five games to go.
“It was a disappointing game. We started well, went 1-0 up but obviously when the red card, things changed,” a dejected Mullen told Fox Sports.
“But still that’s no excuse. We weren’t good enough on the ball and we let them have too much [of the ball] and in the end it was only a matter of time before they got a goal.”
Mullen refused to criticise the referee after the Hoffman send off for a two yellows in quick succession – the second being hotly disputed by Jones.
“They have a job to do. I’m not questioning if it was right or wrong call. As players we just have to get on with the job.
“We let ourselves down a little bit today,” Mullen added.
Jets next face City away on Saturday March 18 in the split round.
