A-League reverses ‘worst red card decision ever seen’ in Adelaide’s draw with Sydney FC

Adelaide United striker Hiroshi Ibusuki has seen his controversial red card quashed after the A-League admitted an ‘obvious mistake’ during Sunday’s clash with Sydney FC.

In chaotic scenes, the Japanese forward was sent off in the first half for raising his studs in a challenge from referee Daniel Elder.

Football Australia’s Match Review Panel (MRP) has accepted Adelaide’s application for an ‘Obvious Error Review’ and Ibusuki is now free to play Perth on home soil at Coopers Stadium this weekend.

In a statement released by the FA on Monday, they concluded that the departure was not justified.

‘The MRP first considered the application. In accordance with the Rules, the MRP has considered the broadcast images, official match reports and the entries on behalf of Ibusuki,” the statement said.

The Japanese striker was stunned by the decision, which was reversed on Monday

“Because Ibusuki was given a direct red card, the MRP first had to determine unanimously that based on the above materials, no direct red card was warranted in the circumstances.

‘After deliberation, the MRP has ruled that under the circumstances no direct red card was justified and that the other matters required by the regulations had been met. Therefore, the application was accepted, as there was an obvious error in issuing the red card.

“After accepting the application, the MRP has determined that Ibusuki will not be required to serve the mandatory match suspension, will not take any further action for the incident and that the red card will be withdrawn and removed from his record.”

Numerous football fans were stunned by Elder’s decision on the pitch, and post-match Adelaide coach Carl Veart criticized the call, which was also verified by the VAR team.

“I’m sure anyone who watched the game will have the same opinion as me,” he bellowed.

“That’s something we don’t want in the game. We are trying to attract a lot of new supporters to the game and such decisions can put people off.

“I think everyone (in the league) wants an explanation because they’re going to be concerned if we get red cards for such challenges.”

Speaking in commentary for Channel 10’s Paramount, Sky Blues great Alex Brosque tore up the decision.

A-League legend Alex Brosque (left), pictured with former team-mate Michael Zullo, says Sunday’s referee roar was one of the worst he’d seen

“It’s one of the worst red card decisions I’ve ever seen,” he said.

‘I don’t see that there is any intention (from Ibusuki). The VAR should have called Daniel Elder to the sidelines to see if it was as bad as he initially thought.”

Ex-EPL star Charlie Austin, who joined Brisbane Roar this season, couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

That is never a red card!!! What a mess honestly, how was he sent away for that and even checked by the VAR!’ the Englishman wrote on Twitter.