Mariners call in experts

Biomechanic experts have been called in by the Central Coast Mariners in a bid to overturn an A-League ban that has sparked fears exciting import Patricio Perez may return home to Argentina.

The Mariners have not ruled out court action if a two-match ban slapped on Perez for simulation following last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Sydney FC is not at least suspended.

Central Coast will make their next move after Football Federation Australia (FFA) responds to their submission which includes biomechanic expert analysis they say shows there was “potential contact” to Perez.

And Perth Glory are also contemplating taking action after Michael Baird copped a two-match suspension for diving.

Under the new FFA regulations, the players have no right of appeal.

But the Mariners will be exploring their legal options if the FFA does not reassess Perez’s ban.

It is believed a homesick Perez is so distraught over “being called a cheat” that he is seriously considering leaving Australia and returning to Argentina where his family still resides.

Perez was “doing it tough” after finally overcoming a niggling injury that forced him to miss the first three games of the season, only to be banned following a blistering 35-minute display.

While fuming over the ban, the Mariners are also upset that Perez’s suspension will take in two home games, denying them a precious draw card.

The Mariners had hoped to hear back from the FFA on Wednesday.

While there are real concerns for Perez, Mariners football manager Lawrie McKinna tried to play them down on Wednesday.

“Obviously the guy is disappointed because he got touched and went down – we definitely think he got touched,” he told AAP.

“We think it is unfair to label him a cheat when the evidence is inconclusive.

“(But) as far as him going home, he’s upset but he is a professional player and he is contracted to the club for two years.

“He has picked up a niggling injury, he is frustrated because he missed the first three games then came on and lit the game up.”

The Mariners fear Perez’s ban will cost them at least 1000 fans a game at their next two home matches.

“We keep going on about getting players that excite the fans and he certainly excited the fans judging by the amount of emails we got today – including Sydney FC fans – in support,” McKinna said.

“Everyone is talking about him. You want the best players on the field and he is an exciting player.”

Meanwhile, Glory coach David Mitchell claimed referees should be involved in the match review process after Baird was banned for simulation in their 2-2 draw with Melbourne Heart.

“I think it is a bit dangerous when you have a review committee looking at things and making decisions, taking it away from the referee,” he told Perth reporters.

“Because then the referee is always a bit worried about the decisions he is going to make in the future.

“I think the referee should be a part of it – that’s what happens in Europe.”

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