3 yellow cards create bad blood

Simunic completed the match only to be given a third yellow card after the final whistle for another offence.

Football Federation Australia FFA did not complain but chief executive John O8217;Neill said they would have protested if the team had failed to reach the last 16. 8220;In light of what emerged over the three yellow cards I think there would have been grounds for a very strong appeal,8221; O8217;Neill told reporters on Friday. 8220;The supposition is the match should have been replayed because they should have been down one player. There was an error of judgment and my understanding is it8217;s the type of mistake that could have brought about a replay. I8217;m sure if the situation was reversed you would have heard a lot about it.8221;

Australia captain Mark Viduka said he asked Poll during the match whether Simunic had already collected a second yellow card but was incorrectly told it was his first. 8220;Everybody makes mistakes,8221; said Viduka. 8220;Graham Poll is a top quality referee. 8220;I will not say anything against him.8221;

Julian Linden