Gleeson claims referees targeted him in 36ers' loss

Adelaide 36ers coach Trevor Gleeson expressed frustration and disappointment after his team's 96-91 loss to Melbourne United on Wednesday night, claiming he was unfairly targeted by referees.

Gleeson was given a technical foul by referee James Griguol during the second quarter of the game at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Griguol made the call from the opposite corner of the court.

"I was talking to one referee [Andrew Goodman], because Whitey [36ers guard Isaac White] got a backhand right in the face," Gleeson said.

"The other referee on the other side of the floor gives me a technical foul, when I'm having a conversation with [Goodman]."

"I think I was targeted for that today."

Gleeson was also unhappy with an incident in the third quarter, where he requested to challenge an offensive foul against centre Nick Rakocevic. However, after a lengthy delay, he was told the decision would stand and the replay centre would not entertain his challenge.

"They already reviewed it [Rakocevic's foul] and you can't challenge a review," Gleeson said.

"No-one told me."

"I'll talk to [NBL head of referees] Scott Butler and say, 'Why?', and send him [video] clips again."

Gleeson was also frustrated with the disparity in free-throw attempts between the two teams, with Melbourne United having 23-16 more attempts. This was similar to their previous game against the New Zealand Breakers, where they had 23-14 less free-throw attempts.

"It's frustrating when the opposition team comes here and they shoot more free throws than us both times," Gleeson said.

"The guys deserve more than that."

"Coming back [to the NBL] after five years, I would have thought the referees would really go in front."

"I've got a good relationship with Scott [Butler], but it just seems that when the bright lights come on, something else happens."

The loss leaves the 36ers second-last on the NBL ladder.