Brisbane Roar: moral compass of the A-League

Frank Farina

It’s not very often that you see soccer teams do the right thing. Players, for the most part (unless you’re Joey Barton), are rather infallible in the eyes of their managers and owners, for no matter what crimes or messes they get into, they still continue to collect a paycheck. You see, they’re just that valuable.

However, managers don’t always get the same kind of long leash, and today, the A-League’s Brisbane Roar are taking a stand. They sacked manager Frank Farina after he was arrested and charged with a DUI on Saturday, his second in 2 1/2 years.

Quoth the awesomely-named club chairman, Chris Bombolas: “As a club we recognise our players and coaching staff are role models to the community. We take our responsibility to the community, the kids and the fans very seriously and we expect everyone associated with the club to do the same. I acknowledge Frank’s contribution to the club but we cannot excuse or condone his behaviour off the field. We are offering Frank and his family any help and support they may need through this potentially trying time.”

I’m thinking Frank might need some help finding a new job, for one.

Brisbane have endured a difficult start to the 2009 season – they sit 6th with a 3-3-4 start. Farina’s assistant, Rado Vidosic, assumes control in the interim.