Michael Marrone sent off after sparking mass flare-up by tackling ball boy to try and retrieve ball

THERE was late drama in the FFA Cup final between Sydney FC and Adelaide United when the Reds’ Michael Marrone was sent off for sparking a flare-up when he tackled a ball boy.

Michael Marrone tackles the ball boy.

THERE was late drama in the FFA Cup final between Sydney FC and Adelaide United when the Reds’ Michael Marrone was sent off for sparking a flare-up when he tackled a ball boy.

Bobo had just given the Sky Blues a 2-1 lead in the second half of extra time when the ball went out of play on the western side of Allianz Stadium.

Marrone ran to a ballboy, who appeared unwilling to give the ball up, and looked to have slipped before knocking the kid from his feet in the 115th minute.

Matt Simon physically restrains Michael Marrone.

The ball boy after the incident.

That caused Sydney FC striker Matt Simon to physically grab Marrone and cause both sets of benches to empty as a mass flare-up evolved.

Adelaide coach Marco Kurz got involved, calming Simon down and helping to restore order.

Bobo’s goal turned out to be the winner with Sydney FC triumphing to hold three pieces of silverware — as Premier’s Plate and A-League champions to go along with the FFA Cup title.

Michael Zullo gives his medal to a ball boy.

And it was a happy ending for the ball boy, who got to join his Sydney FC heroes on the podium to lift the trophy and celebrate the title win with them.

Originally published as Michael Marrone sent off after sparking mass flare-up by tackling ball boy to try and retrieve ball