NERVOUS A-League chiefs say they are confident the grand final will not be mired in the controversy that left Melbourne Victory seething after their loss to Brisbane Roar in the semi-final.
The man announced as the competition’s referee of the year, Peter Green, will take control of his second consecutive grand final on Sunday, with officials anxious that there is no repeat of Victory’s denial of a clear penalty in the last minute, ironically by the man viewed by many as the competition’s best referee, Strebre Delovski.
The 2011 grand final also ended with a last-gasp controversial penalty decision, though referee Jarred Gillett was ultimately vindicated in his award of Brisbane’s winning spotkick.
A-League head Damian DeBohun said that Green had earned the responsibility of the grand final, and was used to the spotlight of officiating in high-octane games.
Strebre Delovski copped plenty of criticism after last week’s controversial semi-final. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: News Corp Australia
“Peter did the grand final last year and managed it very well — and this year he’s been deemed to be the best referee all season, so it’s only right that he is rewarded again,” said DeBohun.
“We fully expect him to perform at the level he has all year. As you know we have a thorough process for reviewing the referees’ performances, and he’s done very well.
“It’s going to be a big match and a big occasion — a sellout — and of course that brings responsibility, just as it does for the players and coaches.
“But Peter has proven in a number of big games that he is more than capable of handling that pressure, and I’m certain he will do again.”
Watch the A-League grand final LIVE from 3pm (EST) on Fox Sports 2HD.
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