04 Nov Merrick baffled by Muscat’s “pity” behaviour

Newcastle Jets coach Ernie Merrick has expressed his confusion at Kevin Muscat’s behaviour after Melbourne Victory’s 1-0 win on Saturday night.

Muscat declined to shake Merrick's hand after the game, a claim the Victory coach dismissed.

While watering down the situation somewhat, Merrick has given his side of the story, saying Muscat’s behaviour was unwarranted.

SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson can be heard Monday-Friday 6-9am, and you can subscribe to the podcast here.

“I don’t know why people are talking about a feud,” Merrick told SEN Breakfast.

“Kevin seems to get all upset during a game and won’t shake hands after a game.

“I shook hands with all his staff and I was heading towards him and he took off towards his fans and whatever. I tried to sprint but my legs wouldn’t move, so I just gave up.

“Victory is a big club, they’re well supported, fantastic crowd, Anthony Di Pietro is a terrific Chairman. I don’t think Kevin has to behave like that really.

“I can’t understand it, it’s a bit pity actually.

“I never had a falling out (with Victory or Muscat), I moved on.

“The standard protocol is everyone shakes hands after the game.

“It’s not just me, it’s happened with Graham Arnold as well.”

Merrick added Muscat never approached him to shake hands before the game.

Listen to Ernie Merrick’s chat with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson on SEN Breakfast in the player below