Matt McKay was sensationally sent off as Brisbane Roar suffered a disappointing start to their A-League title defence, falling 2-1 to Adelaide United on Sunday.

McKay will miss at least the Roar’s next clash away against Perth after earning a yellow then a straight red card for dissent from referee Ben Williams in the 72nd minute.

Still, a 10-man Roar went down swinging in a spiteful clash in front of a crowd of 16,195 and threatened to pull off a stoppage time equaliser through Henrique, only to be denied by a controversial Tarek Elrich challenge.

Life appeared tough enough for the Roar as they vied for a fourth title in five seasons without gun striker Besart Berisha, who scored on his Melbourne Victory debut Friday night, Socceroos defender Ivan Franjic and goalkeeper Michael Theo, who is out with a broken wrist.

German maestro Thomas Broich opened the scoring when his 20th minute free kick somehow threaded through a crowded goalmouth and into the far corner.

At the other end, Theo’s replacement Jamie Young also impressed initially.

The former England Youth international did not have to wait long to be tested thanks to Sergio Cirio’s diving header in the fourth minute, while Pablo Sanchez also threatened with a 23rd minute free kick.

However, he had no answer to Bruce Djite’s 33rd minute wonderstrike from 25 metres.

And Young could only throw his hands up in despair after team-mate James Donachie clumsily scored an own goal from Sergio Cirio’s 56th minute cross.

Brisbane next travels to Perth to play the Glory next Sunday, while Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory on Friday night.

Weekend scores:

Melbourne Victory 4-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Newcastle Jets
Sydney FC 1-1 Melbourne City
Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Perth Glory
Brisbane Roar 1-2 Adelaide United