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CAHILL SENT OFF WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BALL
Melbourne City player Tim Cahill was sent off in the game against Melbourne Victory even without touching the ball.
The former Everton player came on as a substitute in the 2-1 derby loss to Victory but was sent back off the pitch for protesting the referee’s decision to allow the second goal stand in the 87th minute.
The linesman flagged the own goal by Manny Muscat offside but the referee Chris Beath overturned the decision in favour of Victory.
The 37-year old was dramatically sent off whilst standing on the sidelines. City still had 11 players up for grabs as the substitution had not taken place.
The chaos that resulted almost eclipsed the competitive affair between both sides.
Cahill, who scored 68 goals whilst at Premier League side Everton FC, subsequently took to his profile on Instagram to affectionately apologize for his actions.
“I sincerely apologize to Chris Beath for my reaction. My behaviour also hurt the game so I also apologize to my team, to Melbourne Victory and to all the fans at the game and watching at home,” he posted online.
Six City players would miss the next A League action as they have been suspended for the part in the resulting chaos.
City shot stopper Dean Bouzanis is facing a racial abuse charge as the camera caught him abusing Victory forward Besart Berisha. Though Bouzanis and Melbourne City have sent their apologies, the Football Federation would sanction him.