Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz fuming after alleged lack of coin toss to determine end of ground for semi-final penalty shootout

Adelaide United’s complaints about its semi-final penalty shootout taking place in front of Perth Glory’s diehard fans have been met with confirmation the decision was made before the devastating defeat.

• Heartbreaking shootout ends Reds’ season

Adelaide United’s objections to its semi-final penalty shootout taking place in front of Perth Glory’s diehard fans have been met with confirmation the decision was made before the devastating defeat.

Football Federation Australia on Saturday quashed Reds’ concerns that the referee did not toss a coin to rule which end of Perth Oval was used for spot kicks the previous night.

A spokesman for the governing body said it was communicated to the clubs two days before the game that in the event of a shootout it would occur at the northern, or Shed, end.

He said the call was based on broadcaster Fox Sports placing more cameras in the section of the ground it believed would produce the best TV images during penalties.

The spokesman revealed FFA had followed the same process during A-League finals for the past seven years.

“It’s predetermined,” the spokesman said. “Those decisions aren’t made on the night.

“The laws of the game allow for other circumstances to be used to determine where the penalty kicks are taken.”

The decision for spot kicks to take place at Glory’s home end drew an angry post-match response from Reds coach Marco Kurz, who labelled the move “disgusting”.

Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz is fuming after an alleged lack of coin toss to determine the end of the ground for the semi-final penalty shootout. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Kurz said the lack of a coin toss by referee Alex King, following the dramatic 3-3 draw, breached long-established rules of the sport and ignored the spirit of the game.

The FFA spokesman said if United’s extra-time elimination final win over Melbourne City had gone to penalties last week, the shootout would have taken place in front of its Red Army active supporters group.

Adelaide chief executive Nathan Kosmina said the club was frustrated by the outcome, but had been forced to accept it.

“While we understand the location of the penalty shootout was determined by FFA prior to the match, the vagueness of its communication created uncertainty with players, coaches and officials prior to the shootout commencing,” Kosmina said. “FFA have addressed the matter and whilst we were not happy with the process, we understand the outcome was in line with what has become standard (in the A-League).

“We do not suggest this issue influenced the result of the match. However, we are disappointed it has shifted the commentary following one of the best finals matches in the competition’s history and, most importantly, the monumental efforts of our players and coaches.”

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo made three saves during Adelaide United’s penalty shootout loss to Perth Glory in the A-League semi-final. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The penalty process initially appeared to contravene the rules of the International Football Association Board, the body responsible for determining the laws of the game.

“Unless there are other considerations (eg ground conditions, safety etc), the referee tosses a coin to decide the goal at which the kicks will be taken which may only be changed for safety reasons or if the goal or playing surface becomes unusable,” IFAB law 10 states.

The method applied ahead of his side’s 5-4 shootout loss enraged Kurz.

“The decision was done by the FFA and not from the referee,” said Kurz, after his final game in charge. “That’s disgusting.

“Normally you throw a coin. (An) FFA person came down and said ‘this side’ (of the ground).

“That was the decision and it’s not fair. That means not that we are not a good loser by the way.

Adelaide United defender Jordan Elsey has queried the selection of the end of the ground for the semi-final penalty shootout. Picture: AAP Image/Tony McDonough

“Perth congratulations, they were better in the shootout, but we have to discuss why (and) what is the reason.

“I’m a fair sportsman, but that has nothing to do with sport.”

A pair of Reds players backed its departing manager’s concerns on social media. “@FFA why did the referees decide for themselves what end we take the shoot out [sic],” tweeted goalkeeper Paul Izzo, who saved three penalties in the shootout.

“No coin toss?”

Defender Jordan Elsey echoed Izzo’s concerns.

“No coin toss to decide which end to do the pens?” tweeted Elsey, along with an emoji depicting confusion.

The Reds’ group of travelling supporters were located in the southeast corner of the stadium, opposite the end where the shootout took place.