Adelaide Player Sent Off In FFA Cup Final For Attacking The Ball Boy

The FFA Cup final between Sydney FC and Adelaide United exploded late in extra time last night as Adelaide defender Michael Marrone was red carded for tackling a ball boy.

Midway through the second period of extra time in Sydney's 2-1 win, the ball went out of play and into the hands of a young ball boy.

With Adelaide desperately needing a goal to keep the game alive, Marrone rushed over to the ball boy to get the ball back, tackling him to the ground.

Sydney FC's Matt Simon rushed in to separate them as an all-in brawl began on the touchline. 

Marrone copped a straight red card, and is a chance to face an additional suspension for the incident.

The kid was surprised but okay - even raising the cup with the Sydney FC players as they celebrated the trophy.

Adelaide coach Marco Kurz said the incident was out of character for Marrone, apologising for the incident.

“I said sorry to the boy and his Dad - what happened was not in the character of Mickey, he is a very quiet boy,” he said post-match.

“In this moment we can only say sorry. Mickey is very down, I think he spoke with the boy.

“It’s not in his nature, but we will apologise for the club and the players.”