Kewell ready to apologise to referee

Oehringen: Harry Kewell regrets his outburst to the referee after Australia's World Cup match against Brazil, the country's top soccer official said on Monday, adding he hoped FIFA will not sanction the Liverpool winger.

"The incident was very unfortunate, it shouldn't have happened. Harry regrets it. He's very remorseful," Football Federation Australia CEO John O'Neill said.

"A very tense match and one where emotions were running pretty high," he added of the 2-0 loss to Brazil in Munich on Sunday.

"Both for players and referees, they're under the pump. But when the final whistle went, that should have been the end of it."

A suspension could keep Kewell from Australia's key game on Thursday against Croatia.

"It is a concern," assistant coach Graham Arnold said.

Kewell did not participate in training on Monday. Arnold said he was at the team hotel receiving treatment for a groin injury.

German referee Markus Merk noted the incident in his game report, FIFA officials said, indicating Kewell had insulted him and forwarded the matter to the disciplinary committee.

On Sunday, Kewell appeared unconcerned about the incident, telling "that's just heat of the moment stuff."

O'Neill said he hopes FIFA considers the circumstances.

"The bigger the occasion, the more the risk that the emotions can just take over (players)," O'Neill said.

"Brain explosion and inappropriate behavior. I think if we can just plead some leniency. This is a big game against Croatia. We need Harry Kewell and we'd be very disappointed if a suspension was handed out."

An apology might follow, O'Neill said.

"I think Harry would apologize to the referee," he said.

"He's a player with a very, very good record. He hasn't been accused of this sort of behavior ever before. I think he'd be happy to apologise to the referee."

Kewell has until Tuesday to explain his actions to FIFA's disciplinary committee, FIFA spokesman Markus Siegler said.

O'Neill said the Australians were preparing a written response to FIFA.

Kewell, who came on in the second half, clearly was upset by a number of calls that went against Australia.

Merk called 25 fouls against Australia compared to nine against Brazil.

Photos of the incident show an emotional Kewell wagging a finger at the referee.

"I suppose it was a bit of frustration not only on his part but all the team's part on maybe some of the decisions," Arnold said.

The assistant coach said captain Mark Viduka tried in vain to speak to the referee during the game.

"The captain should be at least be allowed to ask a question, but the referee was not having it so I think that built up the frustration," Arnold said.

Australia needs at least a draw against Croatia to advance to the next round.

This is the first case of a post-match incident the disciplinary is handling at this World Cup. Sanctions range from a caution to a suspension.

Siegler said the disciplinary committee still was investigating the Italy-United States match in which three red cards were issued. A decision is expected by Friday.