Revealed: Why Tim Cahill was sent off before entering the field

Tim Cahill saw red in dramatic circumstances in the Melbourne derby, with the veteran forward prevented from entering the field.

The 37-year-old was looking to step off the bench late on, with Melbourne City eager to introduce his vast experience.

As he was waiting, Melbourne Victory took the lead as they forced Manny Muscat to put through his own net.

Cahill sent off before making it onto the pitch

The effort was initially ruled out before referee Chris Beath reached the conclusion that it should stand.

Cahill was less than impressed by that call and made his feelings known to the match officials, leading to him being dismissed from the touchline.

Former Australia international Mark Bosnich has now revealed what was said in a heated exchange, with the match report stating that “insulting, offensive, abusive language used towards a match official” had caused a card to be brandished.

Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Bosnich told Fox Sports:  “I’ve spoken to him (Cahill), to be fair to him, he told me and he said I could say it straight.

“He was red-carded by the referee (because) he told the referee to ‘have a look at the big screen’ and that ‘you’re a effing disgrace’ ... He said nothing more, nothing less.

A-League review: Derby drama

“He’s not excusing it in any type of way nor is he hiding from it, he’ll take any punishment that’s afforded to him.

“But that’s basically exactly what he said.”

Melbourne City went on to lose the game 2-1 and will now see Cahill serve a suspension.