FRUSTRATED Western United coach John Aloisi has questioned his A-League Men side’s horror record under referee Shaun Evans in the wake of a controversial 3-2 loss to Adelaide.<\/p>\n
Officials from the club were incensed when Adelaide substitute Nestory Irankunda escaped a “clear” sending off before going on to play a key role in helping the Reds overturn a two-goal deficit at AAMI Park on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The 17-year-old winger was shown a yellow card for his challenge on Connor O’Toole but was not handed a second for a tackle on James Troisi a few minutes later.<\/p>\n
“The rules state counterattack, tackle from behind to stop play is a clear second yellow,” John Aloisi said.<\/p>\n
“It’s clear. Everyone saw that… Shaun Evans decides not to give it, [Irankunda] sets up the first [Adelaide] goal and changes the game.<\/p>\n
“When you’re a little bit anxious for a win, that can hurt you. It definitely did.”<\/p>\n
Western United looked comfortable after Noah Botic’s first-half opener and a rocket from Aleksandar Prijovic gave them a two-goal advantage they held well past the hour mark.<\/p>\n
But Irankunda set up Zach Clough for a goal that halved the Reds’ deficit in the 68th minute before Ryan Kitto tapped home the equaliser from close range after Craig Goodwin’s free kick from a tight angle struck the back post.<\/p>\n
Socceroos hero Goodwin scored Adelaide’s decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 86th minute after defender Tomoki Imai’s needless foul on Ben Halloran.<\/p>\n
Western United officials surrounded Evans after the final whistle to vent their frustration.<\/p>\n
“They were probably asking [why] we’ve had him 12 times and we haven’t won a game,” John Aloisi said.<\/p>\n
“That’s the stat… and this is a team that won the championship, mind you, last year.<\/p>\n
“Twelve times, haven’t won a game.”<\/p>\n
Asked if he was suggesting something untoward going on with Evans, Aloisi replied, “No. I’m just giving you the stat.”<\/p>\n
Adelaide coach Carl Veart did not feel Irankunda was fortunate to stay on the pitch.<\/p>\n
“Not at all. He’s made a challenge for the ball, he’s made contact with the ball but he’s made contact with the player [as well],” Veart said.<\/p>\n
“It’s a foul but I don’t think it’s worthy of a second yellow to send someone off.<\/p>\n
“This year far too many red cards have been handed out in the league and ruined too many games.<\/p>\n
“We want all players from both teams to stay on the pitch so we can see a good game.”<\/p>\n