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Furious Arnold labels late loss 'criminal'

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold was left furious after a controversial 2-1 loss to Adelaide United on Friday night.

Sydney FC head coach Graham Arnold reacts
Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold was left furious after a controversial 2-1 loss to Adelaide United. (AAP)

Furious Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold declined to take questions in the post-match press conference following his side's "criminal" 2-1 loss to Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.

Arnold informed the waiting media on Friday night he would offer a "statement" only in the wake of the clash which saw the Reds convert a 95th minute penalty to snatch victory.

Young Sydney FC defender Alex Gersbach was given his marching orders for a crude challenge on 28 minutes, forcing the Sky Blues to see out the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Arnold applauded his side's performance following the send-off with Filip Holosko's 70th minute goal nearly salvaging a point for Sydney.

But United were awarded a penalty right at the death for Jacques Faty's foul on United's Dylan McGowan.

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Arnold labelled the end of the clash "criminal".

"I don't really want to be sitting here tonight so I just want to make a statement and then I'll leave," Arnold said after the loss.

"Congratulations to Adelaide for winning the game. (But) I'm very proud of my boys, they worked extremely hard.

"Eleven (players) against 10, I thought we did exceptionally well and it was criminal how it ended - that's pretty much all I've got to say."

Last month Arnold sent assistant coach Steve Corica to a post-match press conference following a foul-laden goalless draw against Wellington Phoenix.

The Sky Blues coach was also fined $5000 last season after commenting when Marc Janko had a goal incorrectly ruled offside.

"It's better that I don't say anything because last year when I said something I copped $5000," Arnold said.

"You're not allowed to have an opinion in this game."


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



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