Melbourne Victory’s Kosta Barbarouses says he’s lost respect for Sebastian Ryall after the Sydney FC defender was accused by Victory of diving to win a penalty in the teams’ 3-3 draw on Saturday night.
Referee Strebre Delovski pointed to the spot, allowing the Sky Blues to draw level at 2-2.
Former Victory man Ryall will now be the subject of a Football Federation Australia Disciplinary Committee convened to determine whether or not the 25-year-old was guilty of simulation.
Ryall risked inflaming the situation further when he made contact with Finkler’s head after earning the penalty, with Barbarouses condemning his opponent’s behaviour.
“You lose a bit of respect for him,” he said.
“His reaction wasn’t great as well. Hopefully karma will come around. That’s something they have to deal with in the culture of their team.”
Quizzed on whether or not the standard of officiating in the A-League is good enough, Barbarouses said: “In my opinion, probably not. It’s cost us a few times this year.
“Everyone can see the footage. It changes the complexion of the game … we’ve just got to move on from it I guess.”
The New Zealand international called for A-League referees to become fulltime professionals and also suggested the introduction of video referrals could improve standards.
“He doesn’t have a chance to have a second look at it and can’t reverse the decision,” Barbarouses said of Delovski’s mistake on Saturday.
“We all make mistakes in our profession. I think maybe we could bring in a video decision (system) for major decisions like that.
“Making the referees fulltime will only help as well.”
Victory will look to get over the disappointment of the Sydney draw when they travel to face Brisbane Roar on Friday night, with Barbarouses and Besart Berisha both returning to their former club.
“It’s not as publicised as when Bes comes to town so I’m happy to fall under the radar and just appreciate the moment and the game,” the winger said of his impending return to Suncorp Stadium.
