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Fans divided on Michael Marrone's controversial tackle on ball boy during FFA Cup final

Fans are divided on social media after a bizarre incident involving Adelaide United’s Michael Marrone and a ball boy marred the final stages of the FFA Cup final between the Reds and Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Sky Blues eventually lifted the cup after Bobo's extra-time strike secured a 2-1 victory, but an already tense encounter boiled over in the 115th minute when Marrone tackled the Sydney FC ball boy to the ground in a desperate attempt to retrieve the ball as Adelaide tried to find an equaliser.

Watch the ball boy incident and highlights of the FFA Cup final in the video above

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The Reds player ran towards the ball boy, who turned his back in an apparent attempt to stall Marrone, who clattered into the young fella and sent him crashing to the ground.

All hell broke loose as both benches cleared and players and officials came together, with Sky Blues forward Matt Simon physically confronting Marrone before the Adelaide defender was shown a red card and the match continued.

Sydney FC's Michael Zullo ensured the ball boy would also take good memories away from his eventful evening, giving away his winner’s medal to the youngster who also lifted the trophy on stage with the team.

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Football fans took to social media to vent their opinion with some condemning Marrone for his actions, while others said the ball boy had done the wrong thing in not returning the ball straight away.

FFA Cup final ball boy
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