A-League to investigate Robbie Fowler-Mark Rudan spat
The fallout from Western United’s victory over Brisbane continues, with A-League boss Greg O’Rourke to review the post-match argument between Roar CEO David Pourre and United coach Mark Rudan.
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A-League boss Greg O’Rourke will review any available audio or video footage of Friday night’s post-match spat at Suncorp Stadium between Brisbane Roar CEO David Pourre and Western United coach Mark Rudan to determine whether further action is required.
United’s 2-0 win over the Roar was overshadowed by drama following the match involving Pourre, Rudan and Brisbane coach Robbie Fowler.
Rudan was upset Fowler did not shake his hand after the game, saying the Liverpool legend needed to “respect the opposition coach”.
Fowler fired back, saying Rudan had started an argument with Pourre and used the words “effing disgrace”, and that United had resorted to “cheating” with time-wasting tactics.
Pourre said Rudan made a “beeline” for him to “instigate his foul language”.
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O’Rourke, who was at the match, told The Sunday Mail he had spoken to Rudan, Pourre and United CEO Chris Pehlivanis.
O’Rourke said Rudan claimed not to have used inappropriate language toward Pourre and that the United coach was “surprised” by Pourre’s manner.
“I will review any audio or video there might be to see if anything more needs to come from this but the matter is unlikely to go any further,” O’Rourke said.
A United spokesman said the incident was now “water under the bridge”, while a Roar spokesman said the club would not make any further comment on the matter.
Of more concern to Fowler is Brisbane’s poor form. The Roar have lost five of their nine matches to have just eight points.
Fowler lamented his side’s “lack of quality” in the attacking third of the park, where the Roar’s play is too often slow and dull, devoid of imagination and lacking penetration.
Brisbane have only scored nine goals this season, and three have been penalties.
“All we can do is keep creating, keep bringing out the best in our players and there’s going to be a time when eventually it will (lead to goals),” Fowler said.
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However, Fowler said his team was lacking the necessary “class and guile” to unlock rival defences, and hinted at searching for a much-needed playmaker during next month’s transfer window.
“It’s up to us to address that. Can we bring someone in? We’ll discuss it and we’ll talk about it,” he said.
The Roar have plenty of time for soul-searching. They have a bye next weekend, with their next match on December 28 against Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium.
“Will there be changes? It’s too early to say … we’ve got a lot to talk about,” Fowler said.
Experienced right-back Jack Hingert continued his return from a serious knee injury as an over-age player in the Roar’s 5-1 Y-League win over Adelaide United on Saturday at AJ Kelly Park.
Originally published as A-League to investigate Robbie Fowler-Mark Rudan spat