Brisbane Roar coach Michael Valkanis was handed a red card but ended up having the last laugh as his side produced a stoppage-time winner to secure a thrilling 2-1 win over Central Coast in Gosford.
In a match chock full of drama, 21-year-old Roar attacker Justin Vidic headed home the winner in the 92nd minute to ensure Brisbane ended 2025 on the best possible note.
The goal sent Brisbane's bench wild, but Valkanis couldn't immediately join in on the antics after being given his marching orders earlier in Wednesday night's match.
Valkanis was handed a yellow card in first-half stoppage time for his animated reactions to the spice happening on the field.
The veteran coach gave an ironic applause to referee Alex King upon receiving the first yellow, with the action immediately earning him another booking and subsequent red card.
Valkanis remonstrated furiously with the fourth official as he was escorted through the tunnel.
"I think our coach is very passionate, and he means very well. He just wants the best for us," Vidic told Paramount+ after the match.
"I don't think he ever means any harm to the referees or anybody.
"It's pretty unfair the way they treat him sometimes to be honest.
"He's come from Europe, he has that mentality of being a winner, of being dominant.
"I don't know if some of the refs can take it here."
There was more drama just moments after the half-time whistle when angry words were exchanged between the sides in the tunnel.
Central Coast sporting director Matt Simon was heavily involved, seemingly in a heated discussion with Roar goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis.
With Valkanis sent to the stands for the second half, it was left to assistant coach Borja Lema to coach the team.
The game looked headed for a draw before a pin-point pass from James O'Shea found Vidic at the far post, with the headed goal sparking pandemonium among Roar players.
"It means so much. It's a special night, going into the New Year," Vidic said.
The win ensured Brisbane (18 points) ended the calendar year in third spot, while Central Coast (eight points) remain last.
Brisbane opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when a great sliding tackle in defence from Youstin Salas set up a counter attack.
Salas produced two fighting efforts in quick succession to win possession and lob a long pass, with the ball soon finding Michael Ruhs.
Ruhs combined with Chris Long for a one-two pass before sliding the ball past Redmayne.
Central Coast levelled the scores in the 29th minute when a powerful strike from Lucas Mauragis took a deflection and went in.
Redmayne made a huge double save in the 88th minute to keep the scores level, but he was helpless to keep out Vidic's close-range header at the death.
