Central Coast Mariners 0, Newcastle Jets 1
So Mark Bridge’s glittering goal has made the Newcastle Jets Australia’s A-League champions. A phenomenal goal, and in my opinion the Jets had the edge on the Mariners throughout the game.
But that last corner will hurt Mariners fans for a long time. Video replays show it as clear as day: Newcastle’s James Holland nudging the ball along with his hand. The Mariners should have received a penalty. But, in what was a bitter end to the season, referee Mark Shields didn’t see it - nor did his assistant. How many times has that happened this season?
And for Danny Vukovic, who apparently struck Shields, that fateful final minute could have a very detrimental impact on his career, with a one-year ban or life suspension not out of the question.
For a more complete analysis of the game, read The Football Tragic’s ode to the Grand Final, fittingly titled: Sorry End.
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5 responses so far ↓
1 Astri // Feb 25, 2008 at 10:21 am
I agree that Newcastle were the better team on the day. The drama at the end was interesting. I thought it was weird when Vukovic got sent off and sprinted off the ground…makes sense now. It’s a shame, he is a very talented keeper, possible future Socceroo…this brain failure could ruin hi career. What a waste. My guess is they will err on the side of caution and only ban him for 1 year as he is a future prospect for the country.
2 Campbell // Feb 25, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Shields is the biggest wankstain to ever grace the Australian side of the sport. Now Vukovic has to leave because of his error and maybe never come back.
Seriously, a shake up is needed FFA! At least get Shield’s arse out of your face!
3 Brenton Skipsey // Feb 25, 2008 at 5:17 pm
id rather see a shake down of the officials in this country before anything else! its absolutely disgracefull!
but in the case of mark sheilds, im not saying he’s perfect, cause every ref out there has made a decision like that, and if i were a mariners fan id want blood to, but he is by far the best and possibly only ref with any brains in this country, peter green anyone, one the the worst ive every seen…..
4 Brenton Skipsey // Feb 25, 2008 at 6:18 pm
give him life, if not only for the fact that he struck the ref but that he brought the game again to a level where all the ignorant afl and nrl supporters and media think they know what the hell our code is all about!
i like vukovic but he simply gave them all another excuse to try and limit the growth of our game to a wider audience in this country.
5 chris // Feb 25, 2008 at 7:06 pm
mark shield is the biggest goose….
he is more worried about how he looks on the tv, than actually being a decent referee.. more content on handing out cards instead of controlling the game.
When will refs learn by handing out a card in the australian game it only infuriates both teams further…
Mark Shield needs to wake up and be a ‘excellent’ ref or go home
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