Danny Vukovic’ last minute slap of the referee’s hand has inspired a rather hefty debate among A-League bloggers. The goalkeeper was handed a 15 month ban, 6 months of which is suspended.
Football in the Capital called Vukovic a “knob” for his actions; meanwhile, The Football Tragic and A Seat at the A-League both remind readers that the Newcastle Jets’ Joel Griffiths infamously punched a referee in the groin. Yet Griffiths was only handed a yellow card.
So now over to you: Is Danny Vukovic’ 15 month ban too harsh? Or is it not harsh enough?
Vote in the sidebar and leave your comments below.
Central Coast Mariners 0, Newcastle Jets 1
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNYLWew_juA[/youtube]
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.
