Adelaide United forward Luka Jovanovic’s elation at netting the decisive goal to propel his side into the A-League semi-finals swiftly turned to disappointment when he was shown a red card for removing his shirt in celebration, resulting in his absence from the forthcoming playoff.
Jovanovic made a remarkable impact from the bench on Sunday, scoring twice in the 2-1 triumph against Melbourne City, with his last-gasp goal in the 98th minute also securing him a share of the coveted Golden Boot alongside Auckland FC’s Sam Cosgrove.
The 20-year-old had every reason to celebrate, but his exuberance led to a second yellow card, having received his first booking just a minute earlier for his involvement in a chaotic melee.
Reflecting on the incident, Jovanovic admitted he was caught up in the moment while celebrating.
“I picked my shirt back up, and I started walking to the halfway line,” he explained to Australian media.
“Then I heard the referee call my name and saw him brandishing a red card, and I thought: ‘Oh, my God.’
“I wish I could be playing the next match, but I trust the boys to get the job done.”
Jovanovic’s sending-off also took Adelaide coach Airton Andrioli by surprise.
“I wasn’t even aware he had received a yellow card during that melee,” he stated.
“Clearly, he is a bit disheartened, and so are we. However, I would take that any day of the week—coming on and scoring two goals.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
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