Adelaide United found themselves on the wrong end of ‘one of the worst ever seen’ red cards against Sydney FC in a decision slammed by fans and pundits alike.
The matchup between Sydney FC and Adelaide United ended in a thrilling two-all draw, however, the spectacle was marred by a ‘joke’ of a decision by referee Daniel Elder and VAR.
The controversial moment came in the 40th minute when Adelaide striker Hiroshi Ibuski slid in for a tackle on Anthony Caceres.
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The Japanese footballer got the ball and only slightly touched his opposition player with the studs of his boot.
However, it seems that slight touch was deemed worthy of a red card from Elder who gave the player his marching orders to the confusion and shock of the Adelaide players and manager Carl Veart.
Veart was almost laughing at the decision in expectance of it to be overturned by video assistant referee Kurt Arms.
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While referees make mistakes in the heat of the moment and in reference to the game's speed, VAR has been brought in to rectify such mistakes.
However, tempers truly flared when Arms decided to uphold the on-field call.
Veart understandably lost his cool as commentators also questioned how such a decision could be made.
Sydney FC great Alex Brosque said at the time: “For me, it’s one of the worst red-card decisions I’ve ever seen.”
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While Adelaide managed to hang on for a hellacious draw, Carl Veart was still very much fuming after the game.
He said: “We should be talking about a great game of football.
"I'm sure everyone that was watching the game will have a very similar opinion to me. That's something that we don't want in the game – we're trying to attract a lot of new supporters, and I think decisions like that might put people off.
"I believe it was a mistake. But I think that's why we have VAR, to overrule decisions like that.
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"We've got to be careful that we don't sanitise the game too much. It is a contact sport."
The decision was so shocking that Sydney FC assistant coach Paul Reid even blasted the call and felt sympathy for Ibuski and Adelaide.
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He told Paramount Plus: “I'd be very angry if it was our team.
"I thought it was very harsh, but that's how it goes in football I guess."
The sentiment was very clearly shared online as well.
Football reporter Vince Rugari tweeted: “That’s right up there with one of the worst decisions I’ve seen.”
ABC Sport presenter Daniel Garb said: “What a joke of a red card. C'mon, VAR is here to overturn that.”
Brisbane Roar striker Charlie Austin commented: “That is never a red card!!!! What a shambles honestly, how has he been sent off for that and to even be checked by VAR.”
Wide World of Sports reports that Adelaide United are set to launch an appeal to Football Australia.
Jayden Collins