No VAR proves costly for Phoenix in Sydney’s winning A-League return

FFA’s decision to shelve the VAR for the rest of the regular season proved costly to Wellington in the A-League’s return after a 116-day absence.

Alex Rufer of the Phoenix competes for the ball against Sydney FC’s Milos Ninkovic, left, at Jubilee Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

Football Federation Australia’s decision to shelve the VAR for the rest of the regular season proved costly to Wellington Phoenix in the return of the A-League after a 116-day absence.

The plucky Phoenix were beaten 3-1 by competition leaders Sydney FC, who all but sealed the Premiers Plate at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Friday night.

Two late goals to substitute Trent Buhagiar secured the Sky Blues all three points, however the Phoenix could count themselves unlucky after leading 1-0 via a Reno Piscopo penalty in the 66th minute.

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Wellington had three crucial decisions go against them that arguably would have been overturned had the VAR been in use.

The first came in the 14th minute when an Alex Rufer volley smashed into the arm of Sky Blues defender Rhyan Grant.

Phoenix players appealed for a penalty, however referee Chris Beath waved play on.

Grant’s arm was not in a “natural position” so it would have been no surprise had the spot kick been awarded if the VAR was in use.

Sydney FC’s Trent Buhagiar celebrates scoring against Wellington on Friday night. Picture: Getty Images

In the 76th minute, Sydney striker Adam Le Fondre equalised with a penalty after referee Beath pointed to the spot for a handball offence against Phoenix substitute Ulises Davila.

Again there was doubt over the decision, with the ball seeming to hit Davila’s chest before deflecting into his arm.

Soon after, with the scores level, the Phoenix thought they went ahead via substitute Gary Hooper.

The referee’s assistant ruled Hooper was offside, however video replays suggested Hooper was onside when he guided the ball past Sydney goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne. Earlier, there were few genuine chances in the first half. However, Sydney midfielder Luke Brattan twice forced Phoenix goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic into saves with long-distance strikes in the 15th and 23rd minutes.

Wellington’s Reno Piscopo scores from the penalty spot at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

Brattan was also involved in a heated incident in the 38th minute when he was collected by a high boot from Rufer. Tempers flared briefly, with referee Beath calming the situation before showing a yellow card to Rufer.

Le Fondre had a great opportunity to give his side the lead in the 58th minute after being set up by his attacking partner Kosta Barbarouses.

However, Le Fondre directed his shot straight at grateful gloveman Marinovic.

The Phoenix went ahead via a Piscopo penalty eight minutes later after a needless and clumsy tackle from Sydney defender Ryan McGowan sent Wellington wing-back Liberato Cacace crashing to the turf.