Adelaide United striker Hiroshi Ibusuki free to play after ‘obvious error’ from referee

Referee Daniel Elder made an “obvious error” in showing a red card to Adelaide United attacker Hiroshi Ibusuki, a panel has found.

Referee Daniel Elder shows Adelaide United striker Hiroshi Ibusuki (second from left) the way off the ground after sending him off. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Adelaide United’s Japanese striker Hiroshi Ibusuki is “very happy” after his red card for a tackle on Sydney FC’s Anthony Caceres was rescinded by Football Australia’s independent match review panel.

Ibusuki was controversially sent off by referee Daniel Elder following his tackle on Caceres in the first half of Adelaide’s 2-2 A-League draw with the Sky Blues at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Sydney FC great Alex Brosque described it as “one of the worst red card decisions I’ve ever seen” despite video assistant referee Kurt Ams backing Elder by failing to overturn it.

Referee Daniel Elder shows a shocked Hiroshi Ibusuki (right) a red card. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Brisbane Roar’s English star Charlie Austin was also highly critical of the decision.

“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!,” Austin tweeted.

“Let’s be honest, we all know that Ibusuki red card will be over turned.”

And it was following Adelaide United’s decision to submit an “obvious error application” to Football Australia, with the MRP finding that a red card wasn’t warranted and an “obvious error” had been made by Elder.

With his red card rescinded, Ibusuki is now available for Adelaide’s clash with Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.

“I am very happy with the decision and can’t wait to play at Coopers Stadium this Sunday. See you there,” the 31-year-old former Sevilla marksman said.

I am very happy with the decision and can't wait to play at Coopers Stadium this a Sunday.

See you there. pic.twitter.com/HhMMRjizC4

— 指宿洋史 Hiroshi Ibusuki (@HiroshiIbusuki) October 24, 2022

Football Australia head of referees Nathan Magill said the organisation’s refereeing department had undergone an “extensive” off-season “overhaul”, with the priorities being “player safety”, “maximising ball in play”, and “enhancing the image of the game”.

“(They) will remain the focus for officials this A-League season, where Football Australia will continue to work with all league stakeholders to play our role in delivering an entertaining, highly successful and safe season,” Magill said.

Originally published as Adelaide United striker Hiroshi Ibusuki free to play after ‘obvious error’ from referee