Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic fears A-League is falling behind in technology stakes

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic says the A-League needs to add more technology after a wave of coach attacks on officials over their decisions.

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic says the A-League needs to ‘flourish’. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic has called for a technology boost and “clarity” with refereeing decisions, declaring the once innovative A-League must maintain pace with other competitions around the world.

Refereeing and a lack of technology available in the A-League have been hot topics in recent weeks, with Western Sydney Wanderers coach Marko Rudan damning in his assessment of the state of the national competition.

Rudan is awaiting his fate after being served a show cause notice for his outbursts, coming as Football Australia declared a crackdown on abuse of officials.

Popovic’s Victory team was denied a potential equaliser in their 1-0 weekend loss to Macarthur FC when the absence of goal-line technology and the lack of cameras led to uncertainty whether a penalty from Bruno Fornaroli had crossed the line after being saved by Bulls goalkeeper Filip Kurto.

Popovic accepted the decision of the on-field officials, saying the “integrity” of football was important.

However, he would like technology issues addressed, particularly considering the A-League had been “innovators” of the VAR system in 2017.

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic wants some ‘clarity’ with refereeing decisions. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

“We were one of the first countries to trial the VAR,” said the Victory coach, whose team meet Melbourne City in Saturday night’s derby at AAMI Park.

“If we want to be the innovators of technology, which is fine, then really we should give it the chance of producing the results that you need from it.

“We have to respect that we have VAR, (but) what we’ve always needed is to have more clarity in decisions.

“If that means more cameras (and) goal-line technology, that’s an area we’ve probably always needed.”

However, Popovic acknowledged that the well-publicised financial problems of the Australian Professional Leagues – which controls the A-League – meant a “difficult period” was currently being navigated.

“There are obviously a lot of areas that need to improve. The first important step is that they (the APL) has acknowledged that some things haven’t worked out – now they’ve got to find solutions,” he said.

“It’s a game that will always continue, and nothing will stop this game going forward, but unfortunately we’ve had some hiccups along the way.

“The APL has had a difficult period now with so many things that have occurred, but we need a strong domestic competition.”

Popovic said the addition of a team from Auckland, and most likely Canberra next season, would be good for the A-League, providing the foundations included money and “community”

“We need this competition to flourish,” said the former Socceroos defender who was foundation coach of expansion club Western Sydney.

“It’s never easy for a new club – I’ve experienced it.

“It’s always possible, as long as they (the clubs) are financially sustainable, (and) they have to create their own communities. That always takes time.

“You have your challenges, you have your ups and downs, but ultimately you need your fans to feel part of a community, to feel part of a football club in every aspect.”