PFA demands answers over Young injury

Apr 27, 2017 - 7:29 AM The A-League players' union is demanding answers after Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young suffered a gruesome injury in Thailand that has put him in doubt for Sunday's semi-final against Melbourne Victory.

The Roar are fuming after Young's arm was cut open during their 3-0 AFC Champions League defeat away to Muangthong United on Wednesday night.

Young required 26 stitches after colliding with a rusty hook on the post as he tracked Spanish striker Xisco's opening goal in the first half.

He has been named in the Roar's squad for the AAMI Park clash, along with returning pair Matt McKay (knee) and defender Jack Hingert (cheekbone).

However, the 31-year-old won't be given the green light to play until his arm is properly assessed on Friday.

Professional Footballers Australia has flagged the issue with the AFC and is awaiting a response, with the Roar also due to file an official complaint.

"Given the extent of Jamie's injury, it is clear that the goalpost did not comply with the AFC Stadium Regulations, posing a significant danger to the players," PFA chief executive John Didiluca said.

The same goalmouth was inspected at length by officials before the match who found the net was not properly secured, leading kick-off to be delayed by five minutes.

Brisbane Roar managing director Mark Kingsman tweeted: "How can this be allowed in our elite club competition?"

The AFC said it was aware of the incident and was awaiting a report from the match commissioner before determining what action, if any, will be taken against Muangthong, the reigning Thai Premier League champions.

"AFC wishes the player involved a speedy and complete recovery from his injury," an AFC spokesperson said.

If Young's arm does not heal in time, 19-year-old Tomislav Bilic will don the gloves in front of a hostile AAMI Park crowd.

Bilic has not played a single minute of A-League football and made his senior debut when he was sent on for Young in the 38th minute against Muangthong.

Coach John Aloisi rotated his squad heavily with Young, Thomas Broich, Nick D'Agostino and Luke DeVere the only starters for Brisbane who were involved in Friday's elimination final win against Western Sydney.

Only D'Agostino played the full 90 minutes, meaning most of the Roar's best players should be reasonably fresh for Sunday.

The entire squad will be reunited in Melbourne on Thursday night.

Source: AAP