A League boss slams playing surface

A-LEAGUE boss Greg O’Rourke has admitted SCG ground conditions were unacceptable despite being approved for the match in which Melbourne Victory star Terry Antonis suffered a suspected serious knee injury.

O’Rourke on Sunday foreshadowed Sydney FC home games being moved elsewhere and also promised the league would review decision-making leading up to the match.

It comes amid a storm of criticism after Victory midfielder Antonis went down untouched on the uneven turf, prompting his coach Kevin Muscat to label the pitch “dangerous”.

Antonis was undergoing scans on Sunday and missed his team’s trip to China for their Asian Champions League clash with heavyweights Guangzhou Evergrande.

With second-placed Sydney FC scheduled to meet leaders Perth Glory in a blockbuster clash at the SCG in 11 days, FFA officials will meet with the club and SCG ground management on Monday to discuss the problems.

“Last night’s conditions were unacceptable,” said O’Rourke.

“If we are not confident that the ground will improve significantly then alternate venues would be sought in the future for Sydney FC home matches. FFA understood the demands on the surface – which now has five codes using it while the neighbouring football stadium is redeveloped.

But, O’Rourke added: “It appears that the needs of our code around surface condition may not be able to be met, despite the best intentions of all.” He acknowledged league “processes” had approved the surface as playable and safe before the match.

“These processes include pitch inspections in the days leading up to the game and on game day by Sydney FC, SCG, the match commissioner and the referees.

“If we are not comfortable with the process undertaken, we will have no hesitation in finding a better way for next season,” he said.

Sydney FC CEO Danny Townsend confirmed his club’s readiness to move elsewhere if needed.