Melbourne City coach Aurelio Vidmar has voiced his support for his Israeli forward Yonatan Cohen after he was booed during parts of the club’s 3-1 loss to Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Cohen was playing just his second A-League game when he faced boos when he had the ball in the first half, he had not done anything to draw the ire of fans with Ten commentator Simon Hill pointing out the boos during commentary.
Melbourne City coach Aurelio Vidmar.Credit: Getty Images
The boos seemed to stop in the second half when City were attacking to the end with their own supporters with Cohen substituted late in the game.
When asked about the booing post game, Vidmar initially said his concern was “football” and what happened on the pitch.
But when asked whether Cohen was the kind of person who would be affected by such behaviour, Vidmar spoke glowingly of the forward who was among City’s best in the second half with his dipping shot leading to City’s only goal.
“He’s a hard nut, a very hard nut,” Vidmar said.
“He’s a great guy, has got a great family and he’s absolutely loving life here in Melbourne, he absolutely loves the club and it’s all part of whatever fans want to do.
“He can’t control that, what he can control is his football. He’s a super, super professional.
“Very quiet, unassuming and just gets things done. We are rapt to have him.”
Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo said he didn’t notice the boos.
“I didn’t hear it,” Kisnorbo said.
“That’s just me being realistic. I was worrying and concentrating on the game.”
City, Victory and the APL, who operate the A-League, have been approached for comment.
Nishan Velupillay, Nikos Vergos and Ryan Teague scored first-half goals for the Victory and City’s only response was a strike from Andrew Nabbout in the second half.
