Advertisement

Football legend explodes over A-League 'cheating' controversy

Brisbane Roar coach Robbie Fowler believes counterpart Mark Rudan was out of line following Western United's 2-0 A-League win over his side.

Rudan had an angry confrontation with Roar officials including chief executive David Pourre on the Suncorp Stadium pitch after Friday night's match, believing Fowler and his coaching staff had disrespected him.

The United boss said none of Roar's coaches shook his hand after the game, which was sealed by first-half goals from Connor Pain and ex-Brisbane favourite Besart Berisha.

Fowler said he didn't mean to cause offence but wasn't going to wait on the pitch after a defeat while Rudan celebrated with his players.

"I'll say this to anyone in the league, if you are celebrating, I'm not going to wait around, especially when we've just got beat," the Liverpool legend said.

Rudan said when he attempted to air his grievances with Pourre, the Roar boss swore at him but Pourre claimed it was the Western United coach who was abusive.

"I went over to shake hands with the opposition coach or coaches and they weren't around," Rudan said.

"I asked the CEO post-game and he quite surprisingly had a crack as well. I think David's a good guy but for him to come out and swear the way he did ... I know he's under pressure. I know Robbie Fowler's under pressure but I've lost games too ... you go and still respect the opposition coach.

Pictured on the left, Robbie Fowler accused Mark Rudan's Western United side of cheating.
Robbie Fowler and Mark Rudan were at the centre of an ugly war of words after the match. Pic: Getty

"I know it's a pressure situation and you want to do well but at the same time I was very, very disappointed."

Fowler felt United employed gamesmanship and time-wasting throughout the match, which the visitors won despite Roar having 71 per cent possession.

‘It's cheating’

"I'm disappointed with a lot of things he did as well," Fowler said.

"He's gone up to my CEO and instigated an argument, saying that we're an effing disgrace. For him to be saying that is disgraceful. I think he needs to look at himself.

"He wants to look at the performance of some of his players, going down. You can call it experience if you want - it's cheating. The game doesn't need it."

An unfazed Rudan, whose team is now up to third on the ladder ahead of next Friday's trip to take on Western Sydney at Bankwest Stadium, couldn't have been happier with how his team kept the Roar at bay after establishing their two-goal advantage.

"I thought we were smoking cigars in the second half to be honest with you," Rudan said.

"I thought we were really in control the whole time without the ball.

"The last two games we've controlled the opposition without the ball and I believe it's a fine art being able to play without the ball."