An unknown alleged indiscretion from Brisbane midfielder Matt McKay in his side's 1-0 loss to Melbourne has left Kevin Muscat seething, with the Victory captain refusing to shake hands after the game for the first time in his illustrious career.
Muscat and McKay exchanged a few heated words on the pitch, but neither was booked by referee Ben Williams.
Muscat, a seasoned veteran whose professional career dates back to 1989 and involves a stint in the England Premier League, was still in disbelief after the game when asked about his disagreement with McKay.
"It was more to do with what happened during the game than after the game," Muscat said.
"It was the first time I've ever refused to shake hands with an opponent after the game."
"I won't go into details why, but he and I both know what he did."
Muscat refused to advance on the subject of his grievances, but suggested it was the first time McKay had left him in such a state.
"I'm a great believer in what happens out there should stay there," he said.
"I was walking around trying to shake everyone's hand and I did so, I've got a lot of good friends in Brisbane."
"I don't know if he tried to pick me out, or I came across him, but I refused to shake his hands."
Comment was sought from McKay, but he refused to shed any light on the matter.
Muscat was otherwise satisfied to bounce back after a shock 4-0 loss to Central Coast at home before the break.
"We spoke about it, (that) you (the media) were going to keep asking questions during that week and we had to wear it," he said.
"It was a long 10 or 12 days walking around Melbourne with 4-0 hanging over your head, so it was good to get a result."
"There's no better place to come because it's not easy coming her to get a result."
"That's what happens when you collectively defend, you keep clean sheets."
The promotion of Mitchell Langerak saw the Victory earn their first clean sheet in over two months, but coach Ernie Merrick suggested regular first-choice keeper Glen Moss should not lose hope.
"Let's not forget Glen Moss has been a part of getting us to second-top of the league," Merrick said.
"By his (Moss) own admission … he's not happy with the way he's played."
"Sometimes you need a little bit of a break, so we've chatted about that, his attitude has been fantastic, and he was the first to congratulate Mitch on getting a start."
"We'll give Mitch a run for a little while and see how he goes, but I'd rather him be given a run now compared to at the end of the season."