Brisbane Roar's Last-Minute Win Marred by Sideline Chaos and Police Involvement
On 31 December 2025, Brisbane Roar secured a 2-1 victory over Central Coast Mariners thanks to a 92nd-minute winner from Justin Vidic.
The match was marked by controversy when Roar coach Michael Valkanis was sent off in first-half stoppage time after receiving two bookings—the first for sideline antics and the second for a second bookable offence.
Tensions heightened at half-time with an angry exchange in the tunnel involving players and staff from both teams, which escalated to police being called to the scene.
Central Coast interim coach Warren Moon criticized the behavior of Brisbane Roar staff, describing it as a disgrace and an embarrassment.
Despite the coach's red card, Moon noted there was no disadvantage to the playing team and urged for cool heads to prevail.
Valkanis expressed surprise at receiving the red card and suggested that some referees might be biased against him, referring to his previous criticisms of the VAR system.
