Merrick Slams Officials After "Outright Assault"

Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick is waiting on the A-League to take drastic action after one of his players was headbutted.

Defender Manny Muscat fell to the ground when opposition striker Roy O'Donovan forcefully headbutted him in the Phoenix's 3-1 loss to cellar dwellers Central Coast Mariners across the Tasman.

Merrick said it is outrageous that O'Donovan only received a yellow card.

"You can't give a yellow in that situation so sorry it's nothing, or a red card."

He called it an "outright assault" and said it would be interesting to see if O'Donovan will be cited.

Merrick said it was just one instance of poor officiating.

"The same player kicked Roly (Bonevacia) six or seven times and didn't get a yellow. Roly makes one tackle and gets a yellow card."

"So they committed 25 fouls and get four yellows, we committed 15 and get five yellows."

"I feel the official has been very very poor."

Striker Roy Krishna left the field with an ankle injury in the first half and Merrick says he doesn't know how serious it is.

The Phoenix are now sixth on the ladder.

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