Western Sydney coach Tony Popovic has been cited under the FFA National Code of Conduct for comments he made following Wanderers 3-0 loss to Melbourne Victory on Saturday.
Popovic made his feelings known after referee Jarred Gillet waved away a penalty shout in the 53rd minute of the match when the score line was still poised at 1-0.
Gillet awarded a goal kick to Victory moments after defender Jason Geria’s scything tackle brought down Jumpei Kusukami in the box.
In a post-match interview on Fox Sports Popovic took aim at the whistle-blower: “I don’t think we’ll see a clearer (penalty) this season.
“Maybe it’s a coincidence — we’ve won one out of 11 with Jarred Gillett as a ref. Maybe it’s just a coincidence. I’m sure he’ll come and explain himself.”
Later in the press conference the coach added: “There are certain things out of your control. That decision, if that’s not a penalty, then he should book him (Jumpei) for diving.
“It’s a goal kick so what’s he done? He’s dived? It can’t be clearer than that, that’s a clear penalty, so we have to move on. They'll explain themselves and move on as well, hopefully we can do better and move on too.
“There won’t be a clearer one this season in the A-League that you will not see and their game changes.”
Popovic is the third A-League coach to face disciplinary action in the opening six rounds of the A-League.
Victory coach Kevin Muscat was slapped with a $5000 fine for post-match comments while Perth Glory mentor, Kenny Lowe, served a two-game sideline ban after abusing a match official.
The Wanderers boss has until 5pm on Thursday to make a submission and could face sanctions including a reprimand, a fine and/or suspension from participation in a match or matches.
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