Head coach Paul Temple says the Wellington Phoenix will “100%” appeal the red card given to goalkeeper Rylee Foster during his side’s 2-0 win against Canberra United.
“There’s just huge question marks over even if it’s a foul, let alone a red card, so, yeah, we’ll appeal it,” Temple says.
Foster faces a suspension after her 66th-minute dismissal by referee Molly Godsell, who was refereeing her first women’s A-League match.
Godsell pulled out the red card after Foster came into contact with Canberra’s Sofia Christopherson while a corner was being taken.
“When no players appeal for a free kick, and 2,000 people all shout ‘what?’ at the top of their voice, tells you that it’s a pretty suspect call,” Temple said.
“I’ll probably get in trouble but the refereeing is just not up to the level, and … we’re getting sucker punched with massive decisions every week that completely turn the game.
“It’s just not good enough that we just need to do better as a league and why are we putting debut referees on in round 14 of the season? I don’t know.”
When Foster was sent off, referee Godsell ordered a penalty.
Temple made a hasty substitution, taking off outfield player Macey Fraser for back-up ‘keeper Brianna Edwards.
Edwards saved the penalty, inspiring her team to their win at Porirua Park.
READ MORE: Gutsy win by Phoenix after red card and penalty test team’s character >>>>
Watch the red card incident
Paul Temple’s post-match interview
Here’s what Paul Temple said in full at his aftermatch interview:
Result
Game played on Sunday January 28, 2024
Wellington Phoenix 2 (Mariana Speckmaier 43′, 52′)
Canberra United 0
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