The Mariners found themselves trailing from a Tim Cahill goal, before O’Donovan quickly equalised. However in the 23rd minute linesman George Lakrindis adjudged the Irishman had elbowed Michael Jakobsen in the face as they were both contesting for the ball in flight.

It resulted in the Dane reacting angrily as well as Bouzanis running to the officials and ultimately referee Daniel Elder dismissed O’Donovan.

Okon said he was disappointed with the City goalkeeper.

“He’s (Bouzanis) a good kid, I like Dean, but to run out of your goal for 60 metres, straight up to the linesman… unprofessional and it’s not fair play,” Okon said.

“I’d hate that from one of my players to behave like that so again we hope to have Roy available next week, I think that would be logical and normal.”

The Mariners boss expected O’Donovan’s suspension to be rescinded by the FFA.

A similar incident occurred in the Melbourne Victory versus Brisbane Roar game last week where Besart Berisha was sent off for an adjudged elbow on Luke Devere, with many on social media believing Elder had ruined the game.

“I would be surprised if there was someone in the stadium or at home on TV who thought that was a red card,” he said.

“I just want to say I hope common sense prevails, that the match review panel look at that and clear Roy to play next week.

“It would be very disappointing if we were punished tonight because of that decision and if he’s not free to play next week it punishes us again the following week because don’t have anyone available, I hope common sense prevails and it gets rescinded.

“The referee’s got a yellow card in his hand, he’s deemed it to be yellow card. If it’s at worst a yellow card.”

Okon felt it changed the game for City to simply keep possession.

But the Mariners boss still lauded his young side.

“City had one or two more chances to make the score-line bigger. I couldn’t be more proud of the way the boys played,” he said

“The effort and we’ll still be heading in the right direction. But we have nothing to show for it.”