The decision to award a penalty to Sydney FC in their clash with Western United on Saturday afternoon left Western boss John Aloisi furious. This is why the referees chose to award the spot kick after the VAR recommended a review.
In the 34th minute, Max Burgess’ shot collided with the hand of Kane Vidmar, leading to a VAR check which ultimately saw referee Lachlan Keevers award a penalty.
Aloisi was clearly fuming over the decision as broadcast cameras picked up him saying, “It’s not even on goal” among other things on the sidelines.
The penalty was put away by Fabio Gomes, igniting a fiercely entertaining end to the first half which also saw goals from Jake Girdwood-Reich and Noah Botic in Hobart.
Speaking at half-time on the Paramount+ broadcast, commentator Teo Pellizzeri relayed the official reasoning from officials as to why they had chosen to award a penalty.
“We’ve had it clarified from the refereeing experts, saying arm away from the body creates a barrier,” Pellizzeri said.
“That is the rationale. That is the official line. Western United fans, John Aloisi and others may choose to disagree but I think the referees are aligned on the call.”
You can watch the incident for yourself in the player at the top of the page.
