ID :
44265
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 15:49
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/44265
The shortlink copeid
A-League linesmen let us down: Victory
Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick has challenged linesmen to get it right in his
side's A-League major semi-final, alleging they have made a litany of mistakes in
matches involving the Victory this season.
The Victory say they have uncovered 13 separate instances of incorrect offside
decisions made by linesmen this season - mostly involving their star strikers Archie
Thompson and Danny Allsopp.
Merrick admitted one of his major concerns was the linesmen during his side's finals
series, which starts with the major semi-final first leg against Adelaide United in
Adelaide on Saturday night.
"We've had 13 occasions this season where mainly Archie and Danny were called for
offsides and video replays strongly suggested that they weren't offside," Merrick
said.
"Now that's 13 one-on-one attempts at the opposition goalkeeper in very good scoring
chances.
"Thirteen mistakes, 13 out of 21 matches. Some of them are pretty blatant. We are
pretty disappointed by that.
"I hope that (incorrect offside) doesn't affect our opportunities in the finals."
Merrick said he was unlikely to change his starting 11 from that which performed so
well against Wellington Phoenix in the final fixture match of the season a fortnight
ago.
That is likely to mean a start for Costa Rican Carlos Hernandez, who will fly out
immediately after the match for his country's World Cup qualifier next week, before
a dash back to Melbourne for the A-League semi-final second leg in Melbourne on
February 14.
Left-sided wingback Evan Berger is expected to be added the Victory bench.
While Adelaide have controversially decided to recruit Blackburn Rovers midfielder
Rostyn Griffiths as a short-term injury player for the finals, Merrick said his club
would not consider such a move - suggesting it could have a negative effect on team
harmony.
"We've got 22 players available. I don't think some of those boys would be too happy
if we brought someone else in," Merrick said.
"We're happy with the way we are travelling and that's what we are focused on."
side's A-League major semi-final, alleging they have made a litany of mistakes in
matches involving the Victory this season.
The Victory say they have uncovered 13 separate instances of incorrect offside
decisions made by linesmen this season - mostly involving their star strikers Archie
Thompson and Danny Allsopp.
Merrick admitted one of his major concerns was the linesmen during his side's finals
series, which starts with the major semi-final first leg against Adelaide United in
Adelaide on Saturday night.
"We've had 13 occasions this season where mainly Archie and Danny were called for
offsides and video replays strongly suggested that they weren't offside," Merrick
said.
"Now that's 13 one-on-one attempts at the opposition goalkeeper in very good scoring
chances.
"Thirteen mistakes, 13 out of 21 matches. Some of them are pretty blatant. We are
pretty disappointed by that.
"I hope that (incorrect offside) doesn't affect our opportunities in the finals."
Merrick said he was unlikely to change his starting 11 from that which performed so
well against Wellington Phoenix in the final fixture match of the season a fortnight
ago.
That is likely to mean a start for Costa Rican Carlos Hernandez, who will fly out
immediately after the match for his country's World Cup qualifier next week, before
a dash back to Melbourne for the A-League semi-final second leg in Melbourne on
February 14.
Left-sided wingback Evan Berger is expected to be added the Victory bench.
While Adelaide have controversially decided to recruit Blackburn Rovers midfielder
Rostyn Griffiths as a short-term injury player for the finals, Merrick said his club
would not consider such a move - suggesting it could have a negative effect on team
harmony.
"We've got 22 players available. I don't think some of those boys would be too happy
if we brought someone else in," Merrick said.
"We're happy with the way we are travelling and that's what we are focused on."
