Mariners launch complaint against Fox Sports and FFA

Central Coast Mariners have issued a formal complaint to Fox Sports and Football Federation Australia after analyst Mark Rudan's controversial comments regarding captain Nick Montgomery's dismissal in the loss to Western Sydney Wanderers.

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Montgomery was sent off for a unsightly studs-up tackle on Western Sydney winger Golgol Mebrahtu in the 79th minute of Saturday night's A-League clash.

Fortunately for Mebrahtu, who has had a difficult run with injuries, he wasn't badly hurt by Montgomery's challenge.

But the Mariners believe that Fox Sports analyst and former Sydney FC and Adelaide United defender, Mark Rudan had brought their captain's integrity into question, and labelled his post-game comments as "inappropriate". 

“The Mariners have been inundated with members expressing their concerns and demanding that the club takes appropriate steps to ensure that the integrity of the Mariners and its players are protected against unwarranted and totally unfounded comments,” the club's statement read.

"This was also raised officially by the Club’s supporter groups who recently held meetings with Mariners Chairman, Mike Charlesworth."

On Saturday night, Rudan, who racked up 80 A-League appearances for Sydney and Adelaide, described Montgomery's tackle as "shocking".

"Shocking tackle particularly because it's on a fellow professional who has just come back from a 12 month knee reconstruction ... that is as bad a tackle as you are going to see," Rudan said.

Rudan was also asked on air if Montgomery would potentially be aware of Mebrahtu’s injury history and the 40 year-old replied: “Absolutely you know that".

The Mariners said they will keep their members updated on any formal response received from Fox Sports or FFA in regards to the matter.