Auckland striker Cosgrove clashes with reporter over suspension loophole

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 07:32 · Archive

Sam Cosgrove, Auckland FC's leading scorer, angrily dismissed questions about serving his two-game suspension in lower-level matches rather than the A-League.

Sam Cosgrove, Auckland FC's golden boot winner in his debut season with 11 goals, became embroiled in a heated exchange with a reporter on Thursday over his two-game ban. Cosgrove was suspended after being sent off in the closing stages of Auckland's 1-0 FIFA Intercontinental Cup loss to Saudi side Al-Ahli in August.

Under New Zealand Football's participation agreement, Auckland are permitted to field A-League professionals in their reserves side, including up to two non-citizens aged 23 or under. This regulation allowed Cosgrove to serve his suspension in Auckland's recent New Zealand National League matches against Wellington Olympic and Miramar Rangers, rather than missing A-League fixtures.

When asked if he felt embarrassed about using this 'loophole', Cosgrove defended the arrangement robustly. 'Why would the club not push to have a player available and use every power that they have?' he said. He argued that if A-League suspensions must be served in the A-League, then logically he should miss future Intercontinental Cups for his original red card. 'It doesn't matter, does it? I've missed two NPL matches,' he said.

The media conference ended abruptly when the reporter repeated his claim that Cosgrove had not actually served the ban properly. 'What are you doing here then? Bugger off, if you're going to talk shit,' the striker replied.

How it is being reported

• Auckland striker drops f-bombs in ban 'loophole' tiradeLast season's A-League golden boot winner has fired off expletives in an exchange with a reporter after serving a two-game ban at a lower level.Perth Now · 15 Oct, 07:00
• Auckland striker drops f-bombs in ban 'loophole' tiradeLast season's A-League golden boot winner has fired off expletives in an exchange with a reporter after serving a two-game ban at a lower level.The West Australian · 15 Oct, 07:00

In this story: Sam Cosgrove · Auckland FC · Al-Ahli · Wellington Olympic · Miramar Rangers · New Zealand

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