Banned Colina may appeal
Coach punished for running on to pitch
NORTH Geelong will decide this morning whether it will appeal a one-match ban handed to coach Micky Colina.
Colina was shown a red card by referee Adam Bavcar after he ran across the pitch following Michael Simms’ 90th-minute goal that sealed North’s promotion back into Victoria’s top flight.
The Warrior, who learned of his suspension late last week, said he was disappointed to be given a ban and was definitely weighing up his appeal options.
“I am definitely disappointed. There is no doubt about it,” he told the Geelong Advertiser yesterday.
“Given the circumstances and so many examples and other moments where this has happened in football at NPL and A-League level, for me to get pinged for it, I am disappointed to say the least.”
Colina, who was also fined $500 for entering the field of play, has until 1pm to lodge an appeal with Football Federation Victoria.
Bavcar was named the NPL’s best referee this season.
Colina said he struggled to contain his emotions when Simms scored, sealing a 4-1 win over Richmond. The victory returned North Geelong to NPL1 after a season in NPL2.
Colina said there needed to be a level of common sense used when handing out bans.
He said the occasion and the emotion attached with earning promotion had to be taken into account.
“For this, should you punish a person? I don’t know,” Colina said.
Colina spoke of his pride in the playing group straight after the match.
“That was special. The boys were great all year, and I can’t fault them. From a coaching point of view, you work hard to put a system in place, but players have to apply that,” he said.
“You work on that stuff and to see it come to fruition is fantastic. The fans were massive, and the boys were amazing. It’s a special moment for the club.”
“Given the circumstances and so many examples and other moments where this has happened in football at NPL and A-League level, for me to get pinged for it, I am disappointed to say the least.” WARRIORS COACH MICKY COLINA ( LEFT)