Sorry mate! Coach left on the floor after being SMASHED by rival player in spicy A-League season opener
- Melbourne Victory coach rocked by Central Coast defender
- The incident was not intentional, many A-League fans loved it
Patrick Kisnorbo is unlikely to forget his first game in charge of Melbourne Victory in the A-League – and it has nothing to do with the 0-0 stalemate against Central Coast in his team’s season opener on Friday.
In hilarious scenes, Kisnorbo, a tough defender in his playing days, was upended by Mariners star Lucas Mauragis late in the first half.
The 23-year-old left back wanted to attack on the wing, but the ball went out for a throw-in after a 50-50 tackle.
In the pouring rain at Gosford, his momentum saw Mauragis slide off the field and collide with Kisnorbo, who was standing near the touchline.
The Victory boss was aware it was not intentional and even helped the youngster to his feet.
It didn’t stop football fans from fondly recalling the ‘incident’ on social media.
āPeak A-League is back,ā one supporter posted in response to the view on the league’s official page on X.
āAppropriate response to a manager stepping outside his technical area,ā said another.
Mariners defender Lucas Mauragis (right) about to ‘introduce’ himself to Melbourne Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo
In the pouring rain in Gosford during the A-League season opener on Friday evening, Mauragis’ momentum saw him slide off the pitch and collide with Kisnorbo (pictured)
The Melbourne Victory boss was well aware that the incident (pictured) was not intentional and even helped the youngster to his feet
Patrick Kisnorbo is now likely to remain within the technical area for future A-League matches (pictured, Friday evening)
A third weighed in: ‘Proof why fans [have] missed this competition.’
In a grand final repeat of last season, both teams would have walked away relatively satisfied with a point.
Kisnorbo’s men missed a penalty when Bruno Fornaroli hit the post from twelve meters on the stroke of half-time, but they dug deep as a unit after captain Roderick Miranda was sent off on the hour mark.
The defender punched Mikael Doka in the back of the head as he challenged a loose ball – and VAR deemed the attempted tackle a case of dangerous play.
The derby and match of the round will take place on Saturday evening between Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
In a boost to the contentious competition, the match at Commbank Stadium is officially sold out, with fans eager to see rival superstars Douglas Costa (Sydney FC) and Juan Mata (Wanderers) in person.
Kickoff is 7:35 p.m., with live coverage on 10 Bold and Paramount+.
On Saturday afternoon, A-League newcomer Auckland FC will take on Brisbane Roar on home soil.