JUBILEE STADIUM — Sydney FC were denied what looked like a clear penalty in their Australia Cup semi-final against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday night, only putting further spotlight on the current dispute between the officials and the game’s governing body.
The entire refereeing team for the match was flown in from Singapore, after the Professional Football Referees Association announced last Friday that its members would not accept assignments for Australia Cup, Australian Championship or pre-season trials until its disagreement with Football Australia is resolved.
In turn, Muhammed Taqi was the man with the whistle and he was not popular with Sky Blues fans after his call in the 23rd minute.
Takahiro Sekine put his body on the line and got to Jake Hollman’s lifted delivery first, before being clattered by Victory goalkeeper Jack Duncan, who only made contact with the player and not the ball.
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The Japanese import stayed down and received treatment with many in the stadium in disbelief that a goal kick had been awarded, including Paramount+ commentator Andy Harper.
“It’s a penalty, but it’s not going to be a penalty, because there’s no VAR,” Harper said.
“He’s missed the ball and got the player.
“Even in live speed, Jack Duncan never got there.
“It’s a brutal collision, a horrible collision… you hope Sekine is alright.
“It should have been a penalty for Sydney”.
That was the major flashpoint of a first half that saw Melbourne Victory take the lead inside two minutes when Joe Lacey was robbed by Matt Grimaldi, who teed up Keegan Jelacic for a clinical finish into the bottom corner.
Victory with a perfect start to the Semi!
An absolute dream for the visitors, as Keegan Jelacic strikes in the 2nd minute to give @gomvfc the early edge in Sydney
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Sydney FC had 76% of possession in the opening stanza, but could not find a way through the Victory rear guard.
Although, they had every reason to feel aggrieved they were not awarded a penalty.
“Highlights everything that’s going on (with the referees) … that is a 250% penalty and a yellow card,” Daniel McBreen said on Paramount+
“Jack Duncan is late, he cleans Sekine out in the face.
“I’m sorry I have no understanding how that is not a penalty and a yellow card.
“Clear as day. There is no argument.”
Former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City midfielder Erik Paartalu added: “The fact of the matter is, he doesn’t touch any of the ball and takes all of the player.
“… You don’t need VAR to see that’s a penalty.
“The referees have missed a lot of things tonight, but it’s not necessarily their fault.”