A penalty or not a penalty? That was the question after Melbourne Victory’s dramatic 5-3 Isuzu UTE A-League win over rivals Adelaide United on Saturday night.
Adelaide were leading 3-2 after overturning a two-goal deficit when referee Shaun Evans was encouraged by VAR to use the pitch-side monitor to review a incident involving two-goal hero Daniel Arzani and Reds defender Panagiotis Kikianis.
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Arzani went to ground under a challenge from Kikianis inside the box but despite the Victory star’s passionate appeals, no penalty was awarded. That was until Evans overturned his decision following a VAR review, much to the dismay of the young Adelaide centre-back, who felt he made contact with the ball.
Socceroo Arzani stepped up to convert the spot-kick following his stint with Australia during the international break and after the game, he was asked about the incident.
“I thought it was absurd that he didn’t give it straight away to be honest,” Arzani told Network 10.
“He has just absolutely taken my legs out. He’s maybe got a tiny little snick on the ball but the ball is still in play for me to take.
“I was disappointed he didn’t give it straight away… it is what it is.”
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The result left Adelaide clinging onto sixth position amid their seven-game winless run.
Adelaide star Stefan Mauk was also asked about the penalty controversy and told Network 10: “I think if the referee’s thinks he’s touched it firstly, Kikianis says he touched it.
“Obviously he could be lying but I don’t think he would lie now – what does he have to gain from it?
“I don’t understand how he can see he didn’t touch it. If he touches it the slightest bit off the stud, it’s not a penalty. Obviously in cricket they use snicko to determine those results. I don’t know how Shaun Evans can determine it from the naked eye.
“It’s brought in VAR for clear howlers and for me it’s not a clear howler. If he thought he touched it, he needs to trust his decision.
“For us as players it’s so inconsistent. In my opinion that’s what really hurts you.
“If he touched the ball, it’s not a penalty, even the slightest bit. Obviously I’m sounding a bit salty here but it happens to every team. I just think it’s there for the clear and obvious error. He reckons he touched it – there’s no way to tell he didn’t touch it.
“That’s a massive turning point in the game.”
