Crazy moment NPL coach had to be escorted from the field after confronting referee

Altona Magic head coach and former Australia international Goran Lozanovski had to be escorted from the field after confronting the referee in wild scenes in NPL VIC over the weekend.

Lozanovski was at the centre of an astonishing moment at Avenger Park on Saturday, where he was sent off in Altona’s 5-1 loss to Avondale FC.

The nine-time Socceroo and Victorian football legend received his marching orders in the 37th minute.

Lozanovski was initially yellow carded by referee Yiannis Zisis, prompting a reaction from the Magic coach, who could be heard saying something to the official.

That resulted in the referee immediately brandishing another yellow card as Lozanovski was sent off.

But Lozanovski was not done there.

In his second stint in charge of the Altona-based club, the 52-year-old walked onto the field and confronted the referee as tempers overflowed.

Players, including former Socceroo and A-League great Bruno Fornaroli and opposition from Avondale, had to step in help usher an incensed Lozanovski from the field, with the tactician seemingly heard yelling “racist” in the direction of the referee.

All eyes will be on Football Victoria this week, and what happens next.

For context, Brunswick City coach Nick Kyriopoulos was handed a 16-game suspension earlier this season after confronting lineswoman Danielle Anderson in a VPL1 fixture.