14 Mar 2010

Phoenix captain livid as hand-ball goal changes course of A-League major semi-final

10:43 am on 14 March 2010

The Wellington Phoenix football captain couldn't conceal his anger after his side's historic run in the A-League playoffs came to a controversial end with Sydney FC winning their preliminary final 4-2 on the back of a blatant hand-ball goal.

The offence was missed by the referee and despite rigourous protests from the Phoenix players the goal was allowed to stand.

It came at a crucial time of the match with the score locked up at 1-all and effectively forced the Phoenix to play catchup football in the second half.

The Phoenix captain Andrew Durante says the goal changed the course of the game and he was livid after the match.

Sydney will now face Melbourne in the A-league grand final next Saturday night.