Roy O'Donovan had a game to forget in the 2018 A-League Grand Final.
Newcastle Jets lost 1-0 to Melbourne Victory in a game that Roy O'Donovan will wish had never happened.
The goal that won the game was controversial. Two Victory players appeared to drift offside as a free kick was struck. One of them headed the ball down which ultimately led to a scrappy winner. Despite the presence of VAR, the goal wasn't reviewed and it stood.
Cork native O'Donovan had a tough day at the office too. The former Republic of Ireland u21 international caught a flailing arm trying to defend his own goal. Besart Berisha accidentally struck him in the face which left an unsightly swelling just under his left eye. He required extensive treatment from the medical team before he was able to return to the action.
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Two minutes before the final whistle blew, O'Donovan was off.
The striker went in high with his boot to try to get a touch on a looping ball from midfield into the box. Goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas went out to claim it and received a studs-up tackle to the jaw for his bravery. Referee Jarred Gillett was left with no option but to give him his marching orders. A lengthy ban is expected to follow.
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Thomas was lucky he wasn't badly hurt in the incident. He was able to play on with his face wrapped in bandages.
