'It's not fair': Adelaide fume over 'disgusting' moment in shootout

Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz was left disgusted by what he thought was an unfair decision during his side’s penalty shootout loss to Perth Glory.

Adelaide fought back from 2-0 down to send the semi-final to extra time on Friday night.

They also came from a goal behind in extra time to force the game to be decided by penalties.

Normally, a coin toss is held to decide which end the penalty shootout will take place.

Kurz was left spitting chips when this didn’t occur, with the side chosen being directly in front of the main Glory supporter base.

An FFA spokesperson later confirmed that the game’s broadcaster Fox Sports had requested that side.

Kurz wasn’t happy with the situation, especially after Glory ended up winning the shootout 5-4.

“The decision was done by the FFA and not from the referee, and that’s disgusting,” Kurz said.

“An FFA person came down and said this side, and that was the decision, it’s not fair.

“That doesn’t mean that we are a (bad) loser. Perth – congratulations, they were better in the shootout.

“But we have to discuss why. What is the reason. Nobody can give me an answer.

“Maybe FFA are making the rules. For me it’s new. I’m from overseas. Is it normal?

“I’m an old man, but I can learn every time.”

‘It’s not easy’

Adelaide captain Isaias had the chance to win the game during the penalty shootout, but his shot was saved by Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy.

Reddy produced four saves all up to deny Adelaide what would have been a famous win.

Kurz said the players who missed penalties shouldn’t be blamed.

“It’s not easy to walk to the penalty spot,” Kurz said.

“Every boy who walked, how can I say it, every boy had balls when he walked to the penalty spot.

“It will not be the first and not the last player who didn’t score a goal at the penalty. That’s sport.”

Although Kurz came within a whisker of guiding his team to the grand final, he will be cut loose by Adelaide, who are set to sign Dutchman Gertjan Verbeek.

Kurz, who guided Adelaide to the finals in each of his two seasons, says he will move back to Germany at the end of the month.

He said he was proud of his team for what they achieved.

“They never give up. They always fight to the end. It’s a high quality group,” Kurz said.