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Jets' Merrick slams Hoffman red card

3 minute read

Ernie Merrick has put the pressure on the FFA to address the refereeing "issues" he says are becoming commonplace in the A-League.

ERNIE MERRICK coach of the Phoenix watches on during the A-League match between the Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle, Australia.
ERNIE MERRICK coach of the Phoenix watches on during the A-League match between the Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle, Australia. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty Images

Newcastle coach Ernie Merrick has joined the pile-on following Jason Hoffman's red card on Saturday night.

The Jets defender was marched in the costly 1-0 loss to Sydney FC when referee Adam Fielding judged him to have kicked out at Brandon O'Neill off the ball.

O'Neill came to Hoffman's defence on Sunday, saying there was no contact and that it didn't warrant a red card.

After refusing post-match to fully weigh in until he watched the footage, Merrick didn't hold back when asked for his thoughts again on Monday.

"How that was a red card I'll never know," he said.

"There has to be more communication between the linesman, the VAR, or someone.

"I just can't believe these decisions we are getting."

Merrick suggested there would be no attempt to appeal the decision, but made sure of his point ahead of Wednesday's home clash against Central Coast.

"I have to say it's not just us (copping bad decisions)," he said.

"It's happening across the league, I think the FFA are well aware they've got an issue with the refereeing and I'll let them sort it out."

Saturday's loss cast the Jets 10 points adrift of sixth-placed Adelaide with 13 games to play.

"I feel like we should be winning every game," he said.

"There are 39 points to play for ... if we can go on a run and win two or three in a row it'll make a big difference for us."

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