The Socceroos lost star player Jordan Bos on the stroke of half-time in their World Cup knockout loss against Egypt after what assistant coach Paul Okon described as a “terrible tackle”.
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With Australia trailing 1-0 and looking for a late equaliser in the half, Bos appeared to be fouled by Ramy Rabia in a hefty challenge.
Australia would go on to lose in a heartbreaking penalty shootout.
As Bos stayed down in pain at the end of the half, Harry Souttar and Jackson Irvine were seen in a heated discussion with officials.
But Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera ultimately didn’t book Rabia.
The tackle left the Australian camp furious. And Tejera appearing to tell Bos to get up and leave the pitch did not help things either.
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“Terrible tackle,” Socceroos assistant coach Paul Okon told SBS at half-time.
“We understand the referee played advantage, but he doesn’t come back and book the player.
“Disappointing, but we have to move on and do better in the second half.”
Former Socceroo Mark Milligan then backed up Okon, saying: “I agree. It needed to be a yellow.
“There have been too many late challenges.
“That was completely late and there have been a couple of those.”
He added: “But if you concede an early goal, that is what happens. Teams like this can manage the game and it’s going to be a tough second half. They need to play more positive.”
Bos took no further part in the match as he was helped down the tunnel, and seen at the end of the match using crutches in distressing scenes.
He was replaced by Kai Trewin.
The Bos incident was one of several involving Egyptian players using a strong physical presence against the Australians, with Nestory Irankunda appearing to be another target of the tactic.
Not a single yellow card was handed out to Egypt until the 60th minute when Irankunda was fouled again — the sixth given away by the Pharaohs.
Moments later, another lenient call went the way of Egypt which left Socceroos coach Tony Popovic seething on the sideline.
“When you let them go that many times, that’s when it can get reckless and you see players get hurt,” Socceroos great Luke Wilkshire said in commentary.