A controversial red card to Adelaide United striker Hiroshi Ibusuki has overshadowed the Reds' 2-2 draw with Sydney FC, who face a nervous wait to learn the extent of an injury to striker Adam Le Fondre.
His side up 1-0 thanks to an early goal from defender Ryan Kitto, Ibusuki was immediately shown a red for fouling Anthony Caceres as he slid for the ball in the 40th minute at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
Closer inspection showed what seemed minor contact with Caceres' foot and no intent from the Japanese Red to foul his rival.
But the video assistant referee chose to uphold the on-field ruling and the Reds were reduced to 10 men with more than a half to play.
Sydney had only had one shot on target prior to Ibusuki's dismissal but wasted little time taking the lead after half-time, in fact looking set to run away with the match in scoring twice in four minutes.
They equalised through ex-Nottingham Forest winger Joe Lolley and took the lead thanks to youngster Patrick Wood, Le Fondre's injury replacement in the first half.
But just as the Reds appeared on the brink of collapse, captain Craig Goodwin crossed to defender Harry Van Der Saag, who headed the ball in to the net.
Van Der Saag muted his celebrations in his first game against his old club, who were left to rue the kind of defensive lapse that had put them behind early.
Unsurprisingly, given their numerical advantage, the Sky Blues continued to enjoy the bulk of chances but could not pierce Adelaide's resolute defence.
Most notably, Luke Brattan's free kick from just outside the box flew above the crossbar in the 84th minute as the Reds held on for an entertaining draw.
Sydney are now winless in their first two games at the revamped Allianz Stadium but Le Fondre's injury will be of greater concern to coach Steve Corica, with the Englishman leaving the pitch after the first goal with an apparent leg problem.
The Sky Blues can ill afford to lose the him, especially given captain Alex Wilkinson and recruit Jack Rodwell are already in the casualty ward.
