30 Nov 2009

Ordering off contributes to heavy loss for Phoenix

5:59 am on 30 November 2009

The Wellington Phoenix say a rough call by the referee was a major factor in their 4-1 loss last night to the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.

Referee Alan Milliner made a controversial start to his A-League football career when he sent off the Phoenix defender Manny Muscat in the 57th minute for raising his elbow in the face of a Brisbane attacker.

The Phoenix were trailing 2-1 at the time, and coach Rikki Herbert was stunned by the decision which has been referred to the match review committee later today.

The Phoenix remain 6th in the 10-team competition.