Absolute joke’: Reds legend calls for Irankunda protection after Original Rivalry send-off
Adelaide United great Bruce Djite has launched a staunch defence of Reds talent Nestory Irankunda after the teenager’s incensed reaction to a referee no-call earned him his marching orders in a 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory.
The Original Rivalry bout at AAMI Park was an explosive encounter between the two old foes, with both Roderick Miranda and Irankunda sent to the stands in a fiery end to the deadlocked affair.
Irankunda’s dismissal came via two late yellow cards; the first came after his reaction to a challenge from Ryan Teague in the middle of the park, before the forward vented his frustration at the decision not to award a free-kick after a tussle with Chris Ikonomidis in the sixth minute of extra time.
Referee Alex King reached straight for his pocket to brandish a second yellow, and then the red, toward Irankunda who was helped by Reds staff off the pitch and down the tunnel.
MATCH REPORT: Deadlock in Original Rivalry as Victory and Adelaide both see red
IRANKUNDA SEND-OFF: Watch the incident here
The incident between Irankunda and Ikonomidis ocurred right in front of the linesman on the right side of Adelaide’s attack. Post-game, both Djite and Melbourne Victory legend Archie Thompson were critical of the officiating team’s decision not to award a free kick to Irankunda before the 17-year-old’s reaction that earned him a week off from Isuzu UTE A-League duty.
“To be frank, I think it was an absolute joke,” Djite said on Paramount+.
“Of course the player is going to be frustrated. Do we want referees not protecting the hottest, brightest prospects in Australian football, or do we want to kick them out of the league, and force them overseas?
“Here’s a player that’s going to go on to fantastic things, there’s no protection for him. The first yellow card was ridiculous, he’s the one who got pulled and he got a yellow card. He got fouled three times here, and he got the second yellow card.
“I’m happy I can say this now because I’m not working for Adelaide United: both of those referees have got to get their act together and start protecting the young, exciting players.
“No one is coming here to watch players get fouled out of a game. People want to come and watch exciting players, attacking football, and they need to be protected. That was ridiculous for me.”
