The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Another week of football, another VAR controversy. The video assistant referee continues to cause problems in the football world, especially so in our very own A-League.
Wellington Phoenix were the unfortunate victims on this occasion, with a controversial penalty upheld by the VAR giving Melbourne City what ended up being the decisive goal in a 3-2 result.
A second-half cross into the box by City’s Denis Genreau appeared to strike the chest of Phoenix defender Louis Fenton and ricochet out of play, but debutant referee Ben Abraham called a penalty for handball.
Fenton was incredibly confident VAR would overturn the decision but, despite footage not even conclusively proving the ball hit his arm to begin with, the decision stood.
With VAR controversies becoming a weekly occurrence, the question has to be asked; is it worth keeping around?
We were joined on the Game of Codes podcast by Roar football expert Mike Tuckerman to make a call on whether VAR is still good for the game.
Listen to the debate in the player above.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
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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.
Under-pressure Western Sydney coach Marko Rudan has failed to front up for his post-match press conference after a 7-0 thrashing from Melbourne City, the…