Sydney FC claims lack of respect after training lockout

Sydney FC coach Pierre Littbarski has accused Queensland officials of a lack of respect and professionalism after his team was refused the opportunity to train on Suncorp Stadium ahead of tomorrow night’s Hyundai A-League clash against Queensland Roar.

Littbarski was speaking as his team trained at suburban Perry Park while the Roar trained at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

“I think it shows a lack of respect for any team not to allow them to train on the field,” Littbarski said.

“It is normal for home teams to allow away teams to train one time on the pitch but we were not allowed that here.

“In New Zealand and in Newcastle (where Sydney FC has already played) it was not a problem but in Queensland it was. I am not sure who said we can’t train. All I know is that we asked the club (Roar) and we were refused. I hope it was just a mistake because it is professional to allow the away team to train, especially when the home team trains in the (under) lights on the pitch.

“This pitch (Perry Park) is not good. We are thankful for the club that has allowed us to train here but the surface is not good after they have played all season here.”

Sydney FC officials came to Brisbane knowing they would not be able to train on Suncorp Stadium with a hiring fee intimated to be one reason before it was suggested no teams are allowed to train on Suncorp Stadium 48 hours before a match. That theory was dispelled as rugby teams are allowed to train on the pitch in the traditional “Captain’s Run” the day before test matches at the ground.

The lock out brings back memories of the Bad Old Days of State of Origin rugby league when New South Wales teams were often locked out of the old Lang Park before important matches.

When you think about it - it is New South Wales vs Queensland at Lang Park (now Suncorp Stadium). The match between Sydney FC and Queensland Roar, kicks off at 8pm on Friday night and will be screened LIVE on Fox Sports.

In team news, Sydney FC has traveled to Brisbane without captain Mark Rudan, who was rested after suffering a corked hamstring last Friday.

The defender could have played but Littbarski decided against risking his skipper, considering he has had two hamstring strains in the last 12 months.

His position will go to either former Socceroo Matthew Bingley or Young Socceroo Jacob Timpano, who replaced Rudan last weekend.

The Sydney FC squad is: Clint Bolton (gk), Iain Fyfe, Alvin Ceccoli, Ufuk Talay, Robbie Middleby, Matthew Bingley, David Zdrilic, Steve Corica, Sasho Petrovski, David Carney, Andrew Packer, Terry McFlynn, Jacob Timpano, Dwight Yorke and Justin Pasfield (gk).

MATCH DETAILS

Queensland Roar vs Sydney FC
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Friday September 23 :: Kick-Off 8:00pm