One-finger salute costs Mariners No.2 grand final spot

Schofield was shown two yellow cards for protesting at decisions made by referee Alireza Faghani in a fiercely-contested clash in Gosford on Saturday.

The Englishman was warned by Faghani to sit back down on the Mariners bench after being issued his first yellow card.

But after taking his seat for a fraction of a second, Schofield stood up once more, prompting Faghani to flash a second yellow card.

As Schofield was escorted away by security, the former Huddersfield Town manager made a lewd gesture straight down the barrel of a broadcast camera.

His actions are likely to prevent him from being on the touchline for next Saturday's grand final meeting with Melbourne Victory but Jackson said he would retain a vital role.

"What am I going to say to Danny? 'Thanks for being by my side on this journey'," Jackson said.

"I thank him every day, he's a massive part of what we do at this football club.

"He's an extremely talented coach. He understands the game and what we do and I'm privileged to have him by my side."

Immediately after his send-off, Schofield began clipping up vision to ready the Mariners for their meeting with Tony Popovic's Victory side.

With or without his right hand man in Schofield, Jackson has the chance to complete a remarkable treble at Industree Group Stadium next Saturday.

The Mariners are likely to sell the game out and after wrapping up an AFC Cup and ALM premiership, a win over Victory would secure their third piece of silverware in the space of a month.

"It's a special place to be with everybody working together, singing from the same hymn sheet in regards to what we want to achieve.

"I'm so proud of the club, we've got one more game to go.

"We've managed to secure a grand final home stadium for the first time and I'm really proud."

Australian Associated Press