Tatum delivers post game spray

Melbourne United’s win over the Illawarra Hawks has been overshadowed by controversy and a bitter post-game media interview by Justin Tatum.

In an extraordinary outburst, Tatum took aim at the officiating and star United player Chris Goulding.

The Hawks’ coach received a technical foul after questioning a foul against Will Hickey on Goulding, that was ultimately cancelled out due to an error with the clock.

“We’re just happy that Chris Goulding didn’t hurt himself flopping in front of us. So I’m glad he’s injury free,” Tatum said with a hint of sarcasm.

“The officials at that time unfortunately just made a bad decision, a bad call. It is what it is.

“Emotions was (sic) going high at that time, because everyone in the gym thought that was the call at the time, even myself.

“When they took the time to know the clock wasn’t going, emotions digress because we knew we had a chance ... we were down three.

“Unfortunately we have another official who decides to want to give a technical foul because of emotions of the call.

“I told them that was a “bleeping terrible call” [the foul on Goulding] and I felt that any coach in this League would probably have the emotions at the same time …”

Tatum also seemed to suggest his opponent received favourable treatment.

“When I looked to my left I see Dean Vickerman in my box trying to call a time-out which he didn’t have, and at the end of the day, I guess I’m not Dean at this time.

“The respect factor with the officials and our group in general was just a poor display.”

Illawarra drops to 5-2 following the defeat.