Sydney were enraged by the award of a last minute penalty and there weren't too many handshakes being exchanged as referee Craig Zetter blew for full-time with words exchanged instead.

After the whistle, Kosmina told Herbert: "You got a lucky decision."

The comment enraged Herbert who had to be held back and ushered away as he shouted down the tunnel at the departing Kosmina.

Phoenix then spent up to ten minutes celebrating the victory on the pitch at Sydney Football Stadium, long after the fans had started to leave.

Speaking to the press after the game Herbert said: "There's a way to accept defeats and maybe a way not to. I don't make decisions for referees but I was a bit disappointed with the comment.

"John Kosmina and I go back 25 years and I thought it was a bit disrespectful to me and the club. I don't take that approach.

"But it's water under the bridge. We've kicked each other on the pitch for 10 years."

As for Kosmina's view of the situation. He said: "I don't care. Herbi and I used to fight with each other when we played against each other. Nothing's changed."

However, it remains to be see whether the incident will incur the wrath of the FFA.