"Terry’s diagnosis and wellbeing is our immediate priority as a club,” said Victory CEO Trent Jacobs. "He will undertake scans later today and we will advise next steps from there. We are obviously hoping for the best possible outcome

“After speaking with Kevin and some players post-match, the general consensus was our group felt the SCG pitch was not up to standard due to the inconsistency in surface.

“As a code, we need to ensure our players are presented with safe working conditions.

“I’ve spoken to the FFA to seek clarification on the process undertaken last night and furthermore to review what pitch approvals look like moving forward, to attain reform. We also need to address how clubs reserve their rights on behalf of its players in the future.”

Professional Footballers Australia also joined the outrage, saying players hadn't been involved in the decision-making process about the game going ahead under those conditions.

And CEO John Didluca added that it was symptomatic of the declining quality of A-League pitches this season, prompting a demand for a two-pronged plan of attack.

“Firstly, that FFA immediately commission an independent investigation into the process undertaken to approve last night’s match as being fit for play," he said.

“The Laws of the Game dictate this is fundamentally a decision for the referee. However, the increasing complexity of matchday operations makes it inconceivable that a referee would, or should, make such a decision in isolation of stakeholders.

“Secondly, endorse a motion that players will no longer play on surfaces unacceptably compromised by a cricket wicket.

“As demonstrated last night, cricket wickets present an unreasonable danger to the health and safety of footballers and it remains the view of the PFA that players are under no obligation to participate in matches when such risks are present. This includes the SCG.”

He added: "The thoughts of every A-League player are now with Terry Antonis in the hope that his worst fears are not realised.”

Football Coaches Australia President Phil Moss added: “Our code demands and deserves a top quality playing surface from a duty of care perspective first and foremost.

“But also, if we are to take the game to new levels of performance and entertainment for the fans, players and coaches must be afforded the right tools of the trade.

"Last night’s surface at the SCG was a fair way from delivering on that. Our players, coaches and fans deserve nothing less.”