A-League: Reds coach Carl Veart asked to explain his attack on referee Daniel Elder
Adelaide United coach Carl Veart is facing punishment for attacking the integrity of referee Daniel Elder.
Adelaide United coach Carl Veart could be fined and suspended for questioning the integrity of referee Daniel Elder.
Veart blasted referee Elder for his performance in Adelaide’s 4-1 A-League loss to Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night, suggesting that the South Australian official favoured the opposing team in matches involving the Reds.
“You’d think that in a game of such importance, we would have got one of the top referees,’’ Veart said after the match.
“But we get a South Australian referee that shows everyone he doesn’t want to be South Australian and goes harder against Adelaide United.
“He did it last time when we had him and he did it again.
“It’s not at the standard that it needs to be at the crucial part (of the season).”
The Australian Professional Leagues, who control the A-League, confirmed that Veart would be taken to task over his comments.
“He will be issued with a show cause by FA (Football Australia) and they will determine the sanction based on his response,” said APL commissioner Greg O’Rourke, who added that coaches weren’t allowed to publicly question the integrity of referees.
A FA spokesman said Veart’s comments were being reviewed.
“If Football Australia deems that there is a case to answer in relation to these comments ... Carl Veart will have an opportunity to provide a submission to Football Australia,” the FA spokesman said.
“Any sanctions applicable for a breach of the Football Australia national code of conduct and ethics include a reprimand, a fine and/or suspension from participation in a match or matches.”
Referees boss Strebre Delovski said he was aware of the matter but refused to comment any further.
Professional Football Referees Association president Paul Cetrangolo, who was among the matches officials on Saturday night, was confident the APL and FA would appropriately deal with Veart.
“I won’t make any comment at this stage but I’m sure the matter will be dealt with accordingly,” Cetrangolo said.
Adelaide United finished Saturday night’s match with 10 men after defender Jordan Elsey was sent off in the 63rd minute following a second bookable offence.
But there was no doubting they were outclassed by a superior Sydney FC outfit.
The Reds can guarantee themselves a finals berth with a win over Western Sydney Wanderers at Coopers Stadium on Thursday night.
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