Farina was supposed to be joined by his adversary in Brisbane's Queen St Mall, but the crowd was instead treated to a cardboard cutout of Bleiberg, with his understudy Paul Okon attending and answering questions in his place.

Bleiberg, who was Roar foundation coach before being replaced by Farina in late 2006, opted against making the drive up to Brisbane as a protest against Suncorp Stadium hosting the Saturday night blockbuster instead of Skilled Park.

Farina said he had no personal vendetta against Bleiberg, but believed his antics were a major snub to Football Federation Australia and the football community.

"In all honesty, I think it's a little bit disgraceful," Farina announced to the fans that had assembled. "This is a new club that has come into the A-League on the back of four successful seasons and I think it's their duty - coaches, players, administrators - to help promote football in this country."

Farina called on FFA to sanction Bleiberg.

"For them ... to suddenly say that they aren't going to help promote our game - not our game at Suncorp, but football in general - is wrong," he said.

"It should be handled properly by the governing body and I hope that they will do that."

The Gold Coast contingent that attended the event - Okon and defender Michael Thwaite - looked to sidestep the issue, although Okon confirmed Bleiberg's frustration at the schedule was the reason behind his nonattendance.

"I think that's the reason why, he went to the launch yesterday but decided he wasn't going to go out of his way to help promote this match," Okon said.

"That's what he believes in and I as his assistant can only respect that is what he wants."

Thwaite added: "All I know is what is in my control and I got told I have to come ... if you've got any questions for me, I can sort you out."