“My initial thoughts were it was a harsh one,” explained Brisbane Roar’s head coach Ben Cahn after seeing talismanic midfielder Jay O’Shea sent off against the Newcastle Jets.
One of the reasons Video Assistant Referees were introduced to football was to overturn ‘clear and obvious errors’ made by on-field referees.
So did referee Daniel Cook really get it wrong when he brandished a yellow card after the Irishman – who clearly had eyes for the ball – grazed the top of the ball and saw his studs come down on Newcastle midfielder Callum Timmins in first half stoppage time?
There’s no doubt O’Shea’s challenge was clumsy, but was it worthy of a red card?
Ten-men Brisbane went on to concede two quickfire second half goals to a superior Jets outfit, before backing up with a 2-0 defeat to the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday night.
But just how much pressure is Cahn now under as the result of a video review – a point made by former Football Coaches Australia president and current Paramount+ commentator Phil Moss when he tweeted: “Careers of coaches and players matter!”
O’Shea’s sending off in a nondescript Tuesday night game watched by few fans on TV and even fewer in the stands might have gone largely unremarked but for events that took place on Friday night.
That’s because, not for the first time, the discussion in the wake of a marquee A-League Men’s fixture revolved around a VAR decision.
More than 18,000 fans turned out at AAMI Park on Australia day for the annual clash between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, including a large contingent of travelling Sydney supporters.
And they were treated to a thrilling start, after Victory’s new cult hero Zinedine Machach cancelled out Jordan Courtney-Perkins’ early opener for the visitors.
But then, as happens far too frequently in the A-Leagues, the complexion of the game changed entirely when Sydney FC striker Patrick Wood was sent off in contentious circumstances.
Wood once again only had eyes for the ball when he challenged Victory defender Adama Traore in the 37th minute, with both players flying in to control a high ball.
The Sydney FC attacker wasn’t even looking at Traore but misjudged the flight as he tried to control the dropping ball.
There’s no doubt Wood had his studs up – he was trying to cushion the ball – and he undoubtedly hit Traore above the ankle.
But after initially not reacting to the challenge, referee Adam Kersey then handed Wood a straight red card after being summoned to review the incident by video assistant Kris Griffith-Jones.
Victory coach Tony Popovic was right when he said after the game that watching incidents in slow motion makes contentious challenges look worse than they are.
But the bigger issue for the Australian Professional Leagues – and it’s worth remembering Football Australia is responsible for the officiating side of the game – is that VAR decisions continue to be the focal point of so many matches.
Is this what VAR was introduced for? Hardly.
But we keep burying our heads in the sand and pretending that what fans really pay money to see is slow motion re-refereeing of games that ruins them as a contest.
The APL needs to find a way to the steer the narrative around the A-League Men back towards the football.
They’ve at least made some effort, with Macarthur’s 2-2 draw with Perth Glory on Sunday not kicking off until 5pm local time.
It still wasn’t enough to mitigate Campbelltown’s stifling summer heat, with Bulls skipper Ulises Davila admitting it was “very hard” to play decent football in the oppressive conditions.
“It was so hot in the first half, “Davila told sideline analyst Glen Lauder after the game.
“It’s not good to play at this time… for the fans, for the people (in the stands).”
Whether the APL will look at playing more night matches next season is anyone’s guess.
But like a VAR system that no one seems to think is working properly, we appear to be stuck with a schedule that showcases the worst of the A-League every week.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Oh please! Referees have a rule book they have to follow. The rules just need to be fixed to avoid such decisions.
AxeMaster
Roar Rookie
What about VAR only able to give red cards through replay/angles and while they're are at it, checking for simulation/divers as well?
AxeMaster
Roar Rookie
Yes, you are completely right...however, when the referee in question is a complete drama queen in black who wants to be the centre of attention......the whole game is thrown on it's head.
AxeMaster
Roar Rookie
Yep, completely agree. Or...at least don't play any games during the day, none whatsoever. Those day games like the one you mentioned above with Macarthur at their crappy stadium make it look even worse. The "walking pace' slow boring football style is unwatchable too. I don't know where these Oz ref's got their qualifications from but they are just useless......and your right again, the games stop or slow down, they look at the sideline screen for 5 minutes and momentum is lost.
Simon Kelly
Roar Pro
Agree with your points on the VAR. It now is re refereeing games. It's contributing to poor officiating. Great point also on how it's affecting fans celebrations. I used to(pre VAR)just have a quick look for an assistant refs flag, now we're waiting for a VAR check. 100% bin the VAR and use that money to improve and bring through more referees.
Ad Tastic
Roar Rookie
I think they probably get more decisions right, it just doesnt feel that way because fans have far less sympathy when the ref has the option of slow motion replay. Without doubt VAR has changed the game and a lot of fans think theyve been short changed because bad decisions are still effecting outcomes.
Ad Tastic
Roar Rookie
Like all football fans across the globe, we'd rather talk about VAR thanks. Aint no different in Europe and I assume it aint no different anywher else. TBH, this was always gonna be on the cards. I could see from cricket and rugby that all VAR was gonna do was move the conversation away from referees and onto VAR referees. And unlike football, cricket and rugby have more natural stoppages so it doesnt effect the game as much as football.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
I missed that. Thanks for the info.
Waz
Roar Rookie
The FA admitted O’Shea’s card was incorrectly awarded in a meeting with the club do no, they weren’t technically correct. But I feel you’re on the money with the inability to interpret and apply the rules as a game dictates.
Garry
Roar Rookie
'Brisbane Roar have confirmed the signing of New Zealand international attacker, Marco Rojas" Im jealous - one of my favourite players
Waz
Roar Rookie
I share the same opinion. (In both cases) the player red carded was involved in a fair contest for the ball and in both cases the speed and trajectory of the opponent contributed to a collision and, more so in woods case, was equally at fault. It’s dumb refereeing imo.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Yep, Rojas as per his wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Rojas
Grem
Roar Rookie
Marco Rojas to the Roar - that’s a good signing.
Waz
Roar Rookie
Roar announcing Rojas signing at 5PM local today :silly: (Well, they’re announcing someone).
Stevo
Roar Rookie
The Wood red card was utter BS. Wood was first to the ball, he met the ball with his foot in the way any player would have been expected to do, but Traore was late to the contest and it was his latenes that resulted in him clattering with Wood's foot. 100% Traore's fault. I have zero doubt about that.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
never understood how a union team could take off in Melbourne, and perhaps i was right
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
have always watched union internationals, but don't like it much compared to the other football codes. went to NZ Maoris v Australia B at the old Olympic Park, and i think i am still to wake up from the boredom. Funny enough, i did not think the NFL was great live either, better on tv. I like fast action so AFL, football and NRL for me ahead of other team sports.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
The problem with both red cards is that they were technically correct decisions. Interpretation has been shunned from the rule book in the name of 'consistency.' Match officials have their hands tied as things stand.
Garry
Roar Rookie
the cricket challenge rule might be the same..I like the idea BUT presumably if they had used it aginst Wood he still wouldve been red carded. The issue remains the refs!
Garry
Roar Rookie
3 bad decisions – sydney Ladies , Men and Phoenix Ladies..but I agree VAR is not the issue the competency of the refs is.ps I dont remember the Oshea one :happy: