As a proud Queenslander, I was thrilled to see the Roar lift the trophy once more. Yet for all my joy, I admit that a video referee system must be introduced to make sure last night’s controversial penalty never happens again.
When Besart Berisha fell in the box in injury time, and Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot, I rejoiced alongside my fellow Brisbane fans.
However, one controversial decision has now left a scar on what is Australian football’s biggest occasion.
Was it a penalty? Probably not.
We can debate this for as long as we want, however if there is no introduction of a video referee or fourth match official the A-League will almost certainly face another debacle like this one.
The FFA should follow the example of international cricket and tennis, where players are entitled a limited number of challenges to a refereeing decision.
In football, the challenges should only be used for penalties.
Alternatively, the referees should have the option of going upstairs before making the crucial decision.
Even the AFL has a new goal-line decision review process which has proved to be beneficial since its introduction this year. Yes it may slow the game down, but I’m sure the infuriated Perth Glory fans who travelled back across the continent this morning would see its value.
There has been an outpouring of emotion and opinion on the Australian football front since the decider. Referees boss Mark Shields defended Gillett’s decision while an emotional Tony Sage, owner of Perth Glory, today strongly advocated the need to introduce new technology.
A lasting memory I will take from the match was the reaction of the 50,000 Roar fans, upon seeing the replay of the questionable tackle on the big screen.
Joy and cheering was suddenly entangled with gasps, murmurs and disbelief.
I was standing among a sea of orange and red, and could not imagine how the small but passionate Perth fans were feeling.
Berisha then stepped up to the spot, and the rest is history.
And as for whether he was onside or not…
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.
Round 19 was an interesting weekend of football with no draws, 19 goals in six matches, two five-goal games on Sunday and for the…
