Central Coast interim coach Warren Moon has labelled the conduct of Brisbane's staff an embarrassment and a disgrace, revealing police had to get involved at half-time of the Roar's drama-filled 2-1 A-League Men win.

Brisbane forward Justin Vidic headed home a 92nd-minute winner to spark wild celebrations, but it was the drama earlier in the spiteful New Year's Eve match that stole all the headlines.

Roar coach Michael Valkanis was handed a red card for two bookable offences in first-half stoppage time — his first, a yellow card for his antics on the sidelines during a heated moment of the match, and the second came straight after as the veteran coach gave ironic applause to referee Alex King. 

There was even more drama after the half-time whistle when players and staff from both sides engaged in an angry exchange in the tunnel.

What exactly happened remains unclear, but Moon revealed police had to get called in and said he would not go into details, adding: "If someone gets sent off, they obviously have to vacate."

Moon has a long history with Queensland football, having featured for the Roar during his playing career before coaching the side for several seasons.

"Look, I'm just going to be honest and say what I witnessed tonight was a disgrace," the 43-year-old told Paramount+.

"They're strong words, and I wish them all the best. But that was an embarrassment tonight, what happened before half-time and then half-time in the tunnel."

Moon said he was "not going to go into details because the details aren't for television".

At least one police officer was seen walking towards the confrontation in the tunnel. (Getty Images: Scott Gardiner)

He was pressed by broadcaster Andy Raymond but refused to say exactly what went down.

"I'm sure it will come out in the wash-up," he said.

"I think there's a responsibility to the game and to people, to both sets of supporters, fans, people inside the room — there's volunteers in there that were in the middle of something they didn't deserve to be involved in.

"There are no sour grapes on my part, but I just feel like people should behave in a better way.

"The coach was sent off — that's not a player. There's no disadvantage to the playing team.

"It was a time for cool heads, and the opposite happened, to the point where there was police in the tunnel during half-time.

"I'm quite bemused by it all to be perfectly honest."

Valkanis said he was surprised to receive a red card, and insinuated some referees may have it in for him.