Kewell loses cool
Key Socceroos player Harry Kewell may miss his team’s crucial final match of the group stage as he has been charged by FIFA and is set to face a disciplinary panel for abusing referee Markus Merk after Australia’s 2-0 loss to Brazil on Sunday.
Markus Siegler, head of communications for FIFA explained the course of action to be taken against the Liverpool midfielder.
“FIFA is going to bring a disciplinary procedure against Kewell for repeatedly insulting the referee,” Siegler said
“A decision should be taken before Australia’s final match,” he added.
“Kewell will have a chance to give his version of events.”
The German referee had a busy afternoon with the whistle with the foul count ended up 25-9 against Australia, although 3 yellow cards were awarded to Brazilian players with 2 yellows for the Socceroos.
Siegler empathised with Kewell and his outburst saying:
“You’re frustrated, you’re losing the game, every referee puts up with it. I mean, it’s part and parcel of the game. He knows there’s no harm meant by it.”
Guss Hiddink, Australian coach, will no doubt be hoping the disciplinary panel also feels there was no harm meant by his star playmaker’s tirade which involved a volley of heated abuse and finger pointing towards Merk after the final whistle.
Kewell came on as a substitute in the 56th minute against Brazil and is crucial to Australia’s second round hopes as they meet final Group F rivals Croatia in Stuttgart on Thursday.