The A-League Grand Final erupted in the final minutes when Newcastle Jets star Roy O’Donovan kicked Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas in the head.
The Grand Final game saw 32-year-old O’Donovan, leap to try and score a goal for his team after a free kick was taken in the 94th minute.
As O’Donovan leaped through the air, his boot smashed into 25-year-old Thomas’ face which caused him to go hurling to the ground.
Newcastle Jets star Roy O’Donovan kicked Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas in the head (pictured)
Thomas was left in agony on the ground as his teammates and opponents surrounded him, then taken away to be looked at.
O’Donovan was handed a red card by the referee.
Twitter users were quick to jump to social media and exploded at the boot to the head.
‘That O’Donovan assault on Thomas was one of the most disgraceful and violent things I’ve ever seen on the football field. No other words,’ one user tweeted.
‘Intent is irrelevant, if you ‘endanger the safety of the opponent’ in a challenge. You have to go. Respect that Roy O’Donovan apologised. But there has to be a long suspension to follow. As I’ve said several times, that could have been fatal,’ another posted.
Thomas returned to the field and won the Joe Marston medal as best player on the field
Other users commended Thomas on how well he handled the situation.
‘Must be the Victory coming! @gomvfc champions again. Lawrence Thomas deserved player of the match. #ALeagueGF,’ one person tweeted.
‘Lawrence Thomas, simply outstanding. Thoroughly deserves a shot at overseas football. #ALeagueGF,’ another posted.
‘Lovely to see that post-match moment between O’Donovan and Thomas. O’Donovan was mature to own up to his actions, and Thomas was very respectful in seemingly accepting his apology after the accidental, yet very rough contact late in the game. #ALeagueGF.’
Thomas later returned to the field with his head wrapped up and won the Joe Marston medal as best player on the field.
Melbourne Victory won the A-League Grand Final against the Newcastle Jets 1-0
Melbourne Victory won the A-League Grand Final against the Newcastle Jets 1-0