Sorry mate! Coach left on the floor after being SMASHED by rival player in spicy A-League season opener

Patrick Kisnorbo isn’t likely to forget his first match in charge of Melbourne Victory in the A-League anytime soon – and it has nothing to do with the 0-0 stalemate against Central Coast in his team’s season opener on Friday.

In hilarious scenes, Kisnorbo – a hard-nosed defender in his playing days – was upended by Mariners star Lucas Mauragis late in the first half.

The left-back, 23, was looking to attack down the wing, but the ball went out for a throw-in following a 50-50 tackle.

In driving rain at Gosford, Mauragis’ momentum saw him slide off the pitch and collide with Kisnorbo, who was standing next to the sideline.

Well aware it wasn’t deliberate, the Victory boss even helped the youngster to his feet.

It didn’t stop football fans recalling the ‘incident’ with glee on social media.

‘Peak A-League is back,’ one supporter posted in response to the vision on the competition’s official page on X.

‘Appropriate response to a manager stepping out of his technical area,’ said another.

In driving rain at Gosford during the A-League season opener on Friday night, Mauragis’ momentum saw him slide off the pitch and collide with Kisnorbo (pictured)

Well aware the incident (pictured) wasn’t deliberate, the Melbourne Victory boss even helped the youngster to his feet

Patrick Kisnorbo is now likely to stay within the technical area for future A-League matches (pictured, on Friday night)

A third weighed in with: ‘Proof why fans [have] missed this league.’

In a grand final replay from last season, both sides would have walked away relatively happy with a point.

Kisnorbo’s men did miss a penalty when Bruno Fornaroli struck the post from 12 yards on the stroke of halftime – but they dug deep as a unit after captain Roderick Miranda was sent off on the hour mark.

The defender collected Mikael Doka in the back of the head when contesting a loose ball – and VAR deemed the attempted tackle an instance of dangerous play.

Saturday night action sees the derby and match of the round between Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers.

In a boost for the embattled competition, the clash at Commbank Stadium is officially sold out, with fans eager to see rival superstars Douglas Costa (Sydney FC) and Juan Mata (Wanderers) in the flesh.

Kick-off is 7.35pm, with live coverage on 10 Bold and Paramount +.

On Saturday afternoon, A-League newcomers Auckland FC tackle Brisbane Roar on home soil.