Sydney FC forward Kosta Barbarouses picked up his third goal in Sky Blue during the 3-1 win over Perth on Saturday, however the goal has been disputed with some reports giving it as an own goal to Dino Djulbic.
Despite a small touch off the defender’s foot, Barbarouses is certain it was destined for the back of the net anyway.
“There’s no way that’s an own goal. I’m having it as my goal, all day,” Barbarouses said.
“My understanding is that if the shot is on target but still takes a deflection it’s a goal to the attacker. It didn’t change the direction of the shot, it just changed the height of it.
“The shot was always going in, or at least on target.”
The referee’s report has credited the goal to Barbarouses which means the statisticians are likely to update their records once all documents have been reviewed.
It’s the second time the Kiwi nearly had his goal chalked off after a VAR check which eventually ruled in his favour.
“I kind of knew it was going to be tight, that’s why I didn’t run off and start celebrating like crazy.
“In round one, I had a goal that was marginally offside so I was just happy they awarded this one,” he said.
The Sky Blues picked up their fifth win of the campaign and are sitting just one point off the top of the table leading into December. Barbarouses said the team showed character and heart to earn a crucial win away from home.
“It’s never easy going over to Perth, especially with how good they’ve been in the last two years.
“We’re really happy with ourselves. I thought everyone worked really hard and executed our game plan well,” he said.
“It was tough in patches but we showed our quality in the end.”
Barbarouses now has three goals this season and sits behind fellow striker Adam Le Fondre who has five.
Sydney FC take on Western United on Sunday 1st December in round 7 of the Hyundai A-League (kick off 4pm AEDT).
Watch on Fox Sports 505, Stream on ‘My Football Live’ or follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for live updates from the clash.
