Fowler calls Rudan’s behaviour ‘disgraceful’ and Western United's tactics ‘cheating’

Robbie Fowler slammed Mark Rudan’s actions and Western United's tactics following the visitors' 2-0 win against Brisbane Roar.

Goals from Connor Pain, on 11 minutes, and former Brisbane star Besart Berisha, in first-half stoppage time, earned the Green and Black all three points on Saturday.

Roar head coach Fowler accused Rudan of swearing at Brisbane CEO David Pourre and fumed at the visiting team for ‘cheating’ as the they ran down the clock at Suncorp Stadium.

Fowler did not shake hands with his opposite number after the full-time whistle, explaining he was not prepared to wait around while Rudan celebrated United’s victory.

“He’s disappointed? I’m disappointed with a lot of things he did as well,” Fowler said.

“He’s gone up to my CEO and instigated an argument, saying that we’re ‘an f’ing disgrace’.

“For him to be saying that is disgraceful.



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“I think he needs to look at himself. He wants to look at the performance from some of his players.

“Going down [to break up play], you can call it experience if you want. It’s cheating.

“The game doesn’t need it.

“They are going down, early doors, stopping the game.

“We’re trying to get into the flow of things, we’re not allowed to because of the amount of times the players are holding on to the ball, going down when no one is near them.

“For example, the keeper got booked in the 80th minute, he was getting told from the 20th minute about time wasting.”

United goalkeeper Filip Kurto was shown a yellow card for time-wasting late on, as Roar controlled 72% of possession and attempted 20 shots on goal, compared to the visitors’ six.

Highlights: Brisbane Roar 0-2 Western United.



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The Victorians held out to clinch back-to-back Hyundai A-League wins and rise to third on the ladder.

“I’ve got no problems with anyone,” explained Fowler.

“Would I shake his hand? Of course, if he’s there.

“But he’s off celebrating so I’m not going to wait around, wait for him to stop his celebrations.

“If he’s offended by that, then I apologise.

“I’ll say this to anyone in the league, If you are celebrating, I’m not waiting around.”

Rudan expressed his disappointment that there was no hand shake and claimed the pressure was getting to Brisbane Roar's staff.



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“I was quite disappointed, I won’t lie,” Rudan said.

“I went over as per normal to shake hands with the opposition coach, or coaches, and they weren’t around.

“I asked the CEO post game and he quite surprisingly had a crack as well.

“I was quite surprised by that as well. I’ve known David [Pourre] and I think he’s a good guy.

“For him to come out and swear the way he did… I know he’s under pressure, I know Robbie Fowler’s under pressure.

“I’ve lost games too. I’ve got done 5-0 by Perth Glory on the last game of the season last year. You still go and respect the opposition coach.

“I know it’s a pressure situation and he wants to do well.

“At the same time, I’m very, very disappointed in Robbie and his assistant coach, and David [Pourre], I will say that too.

“I’d like to have a ‘please explain’ from them.”

Fowler replied: “As for their manager having a pop at me, I apologies for not shaking his hand.

“But it’s certainly not instigated from myself, there was no instigating from my staff, there was no instigating from my CEO.

“I think he needs to have a little look at himself.”

Western United travel to Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 11. The game on Friday, 20 December at Bankwest Stadium kicks off at 7.30pm AEDT.

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