Former Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick slugged with $3200 fine for dissing the ref STEVE LARKINGRAHAM DENHOLM/GETTY IMAGES Newcastle Jets head coach Ernie Merrick has been fined A$3000 for criticising referees. Former Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has been fined A$3000 (NZ$3200) for a code-of conduct breach. Merrick railed against "disgraceful" refereeing and use of video assistant refereeing (VAR) in the Jets' 2-2 draw with Western Sydney on February 16. Merrick, the A-League's most successful coach, had 3 ½ years with the Phoenix before quitting at the end of 2016. He has been the Jets coach since May last year.

Source: Stuff March 02, 2018 06:33 UTC