Kewell's Cup gets a referee's decision he likes
By DAN OAKES, MICHAEL LYNCH, MICHAEL COCKERILL and MATTHEW HALL
AUSTRALIA'S hopes of making World Cup history by reaching the second round were given a massive boost last night when Harry Kewell was cleared of his abuse of referee Markus Merk.
The star striker faced a ban for telling Merk, "You are f---ing s--t", moments after the Socceroos' loss to Brazil on Monday. A ban would have ruled him out of the all-or-nothing clash with Croatia on Friday morning.
Kewell was angry with the way the German referee controlled the game, in which he gave Brazil 25 free kicks to Australia's nine.
Kewell was cleared on a technicality, with a FIFA spokesman describing reports from match officials as "inconsistent". While referees are allowed to give red or yellow cards after a game, Merk did neither at the time.
FIFA is also understood to be furious with Merk for telling Kewell he would not play in the match against Croatia, leaving the official open to accusations of premeditation in reporting Kewell.
"He basically said, 'Your World Cup is over', and that Harry would not play again," said a teammate, speaking on condition of anonymity.
FIFA insiders suggest Merk changed his story when he realised that his own role at the World Cup may come under threat after his performance officiating in the game, including his failure to issue Kewell with a red or yellow card at the time.
Kewell is understood to have been furious after the 2-0 loss because Merk was congratulating Brazilian players on their win.
Australian Professional Footballers Association boss John Didulica — the brother of Geelong-born Croatian goalkeeper Joey Didulica — helped construct the legal argument that cleared Kewell.
He said that had FIFA suspended Kewell the whole culture of the sport would have been turned on its head because he would have been outed on a decision made by someone other than the referee after the match had finished.
"The referee's power to sanction players rests on his ability to issue red and yellow cards which lead to suspensions. There are other ways for the referee to act against players but they are applied in different circumstances, where players can be charged for bringing the game into disrepute," Didulica said.
Football Federation Australia chief executive John O'Neill said the federation was "enormously grateful for FIFA's wisdom".
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/06/20/1150701554785.html?from=top5
