Football Federation Australia (FFA) have confirmed the controversial suspensions for simulation would stand. They said enforcing the two-match bans on Central Coast’s Patricio Perez and Perth Glory’s Michael Baird “reaffirmed its strong stance that simulation had no place in football in Australia”.
“The match review process in place is designed to supplement and support referees in their adjudication of on-field incidents,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.
“The match review panel comprises three independent highly experienced, independent professionals.
“They have the advantage of viewing broadcast footage with multiple angles and they have the luxury of time, unlike the referee who is operating in the match environment.
“We’re committed to ensuring we have a robust, independent, fair and efficient disciplinary system.
“Every year at the end of the season we review the system and consult separately with the clubs and the PFA.
“Over the course of the last few days, the clubs involved in this weekend’s incidents have raised some issues of concern with us over the operation of the system.
“We have assured the clubs that they will have the opportunity for significant input during the annual review process. ”
Perez was said to be “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.
The Mariners are also upset that the ex-Argentinian under 20 international’s ban will take in two home games, denying them a precious draw card.
While there are real concerns for Perez, Mariners football manager Lawrie McKinna tried to play them down earlier 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.
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.”
However, Buckley defended the current system.
“The match review process in place is designed to supplement and support referees in their adjudication of on-field incidents,” he said.
“The match review panel comprises three independent highly experienced, independent professionals.
“They have the advantage of viewing broadcast footage with multiple angles and they have the luxury of time, unlike the referee who is operating in the match environment.”
Perth had considered fighting Baird’s ban but on Wednesday night accepted the decision.
“Our club wishes to see a process in place which respects an individual’s human right to defend him or herself,” the Glory said in a statement.
“We do not want our players in an environment where one spontaneous act (simulation) can unfairly ‘label’ a player, whilst other acts which have the same result during a game are dismissed as being part of the game and carry no ‘label'”.
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