Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is coming under fire for allegedly failing to isolate despite recently testing positive for Covid-19.
Arnold returned a positive test last Thursday and current rules in New South Wales dictate he must isolate for at least seven days.
The 58-year-old was, however, reportedly seen out in public on Sunday with 2GB radio host Ray Hadley left fuming at the possible rule break.
"I've been able to confirm the current coach of the Socceroos, Graham Arnold, broke a virus-isolation order yesterday and was seen walking his dog at North Narrabeen ocean pool at 12.30," he said on The Ray Hadley Morning Show on Monday.
"He was unmasked and in the company of a woman I believe to be his wife or partner.
"It has been confirmed by various sources it was him. In fact, I think he's admitted to it. We've tried to reach out this morning, we've had no luck. We've also gone to Football Australia...
"As I said, unmasked, with the virus, and was supposed to be in isolation until next Thursday because he contracted it last Thursday.
"We've now asked Football Australia if they can confirm to us if he can attend Thursday night's game because what's supposed to happen when you break the isolation rules, you tack on another seven days to when you come out. So by rights he's in isolation until next Sunday because he came out early.
"Now we've had Craig Fitzgibbon miss Cronulla's first game by sticking to the rules but here's a national coach sending the wrong message to his team and supporters of soccer.
"It's tough but it's also very tough for thousands of people currently self-isolating and missing work.
"I went to a wedding...40 people couldn't attend because they were in isolation. Funerals, people can't go to a funeral if they're diagnosed with Covid, they need to isolate for seven days.
"I'm sure there are other people breaking the rules other than Graham Arnold, but it's not a good look for the coach of the national team to confirm via media sources that he's in isolation from Thursday until next Thursday and then go on a walk with his dog and partner yesterday at half past 12.
"I've asked Brad Hazzard, the health minister for NSW, what happens from here?"
The Socceroos face Japan in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Thursday night at Stadium Australia.
Australia must win to keep their hopes of direction qualification alive otherwise they'll have to once again try to progress via the play-offs.
Arnold was forced to name a new-look squad last week with a number of players unavailable.
On Sunday, Craig Goodwin and Jackson Irvine were also withdrawn from the squad for Covid-related issues with Ben Folami and Kenneth Dougall named as their replacements.
