The Olyroos custodian was given his marching orders by referee Mark Shield and now faces an anxious wait to discover his punishment – with a lengthy ban a real possibility.

The youngster appeared to lash out and catch the official’s palm as the Mariners furiously appealed in vain for a penalty after a clear handball by the Jets’ James Holland in stoppage-time.

Vukovic had raced up from the other end of the field for a Mariners corner and as the ball came in from the left, it thudded off Holland’s arm before Aloisi headed over.

A group of Mariners players, including Vukovic surrounded Mark Shield to protest but the official failed to award the penalty that would have given the Mariners a chance to take the final into extra-time.

Vukovic began to run back to his own goal but Shield followed him and brandished the red card – the keeper’s second of the campaign.

An FFA spokesman told au.fourfourtwo.com: “The matter will be considered by the Match Review Panel, who will recommend a sanction.

“We hope that this will be done by close of business today.”

If the FFA agrees with the red card, the keeper could be looking at a ban of between a year and life for attacking a referee.

Jets star Joel Griffiths famously whacked linesman Alex Glasgow in the groin in the first clash of the season between the Jets and Mariners.

But he was shown a yellow for the incident and the FFA were unable to pursue the matter further as the referee was judged to have dealt with the problem.

Because Vukovic was shown a straight red though, the FFA can now take further action if they want.

After the game, Mariners' coach Lawrie McKinna defended his 'keeper, despite it being the second time Vukovic has been sent off this season (his first was for handball outside the area in the 5-4 defeat by Sydney FC).

"I think it's just passion and hunger and when you see something and it doesn't get dealt with, I think it's just that," McKinna said.

"We want passionate players and hungry players and it's just disappointing. Sometimes emotions get the better of you and tonight it did with Danny.”