Sydney FC victory in first Sydney Derby marred by VAR

Sydney FC’s win over bitter rivals Western Sydney has been soured by intervention from the Video Assistant Referee.

Wanderers head coach Markus Babbel reacts to the VAR during the Round 2 A-League match between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Picture: AAP

Sydney FC have maintained their supremacy over bitter rivals Western Sydney, winning the first Sydney Derby of the season at the SCG tonight, but the victory has been marred by the controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and the sending off of Wanderers coach Markus Babbel.

Goals in each half from Adam Le Fondre (fourth minute) and Alex Brosque (53rd minute), gave the Sky Blues their first win of the season and consigned the Wanderers to their first defeat.

It also saw Sydney continue their domination of the Derby — they have now lost just one of their past 15 A-League encounters, 16 if you count the FFA Cup semi-final win a month ago.

But, all that will be lost as a result of the VAR intervention that deprived the Wanderers what looked a legitimate goal in the 59th minute. Roley Bonevacia appeared to breathe life into the match to make it 2-1 with referee Chris Beath signalling a goal.

Joshua Risdon of the Wanderers controls the ball during the round two A-League match between Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers. Picture: Getty

However, VAR convinced him to look at an incident in the lead up and after looking at the replay he ruled Sydney defender Michael Zullo had been fouled by a player who had been in an offside position.

That was confirmed by referee Chris Brath.

It was a stunning decision that sent social media into outrage, many believing it was wrong to chalk off the goal.

Interestingly, the main VAR official tonight was Craig Zetter, who was also involved in the incident that wrongly led to Melbourne City’s penalty against Melbourne Victory last week.

In less than two rounds, the VAR has taken the spotlight away from the competition.

Tonight it led to Babbel flying off the handle and subsequently red carded after abusing the fourth official. He had to watch the final 20 minutes sitting in the stands and looks certain to cop a sideline ban.

Markus Babbel, coach of the Wanderers, reacts after being shown a red card by referee Chris Beath. Picture: Getty

Sydney coach Corica made one change the side that drew 1-1 with Adelaide last week, surprisingly relegating Dutchman Siem de Jong to the bench and bringing in Paulo Retre while Wanderers coach Markus Babbel went with the same side that drew with Perth Glory.

It was the home side that settled into the game quicker and they themselves in front after just four minutes after they were awarded a free kick after Milos Ninkovic was brought down 20 metres out from goal.

Zullo whipped in the free kick and the ball was headed out by the defence into the path of Paulo Retre. His shot was deflected by the Rashid Mahazi into the path of Le Fondre, who was left one-on-one with goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic, who made an excellent save.

Unfortunately for the visitors, the ball rebounded into the path of the Englishman who bundled the ball into the net.

Keanu Baccus of the Wanderers competes with Brandon O'Neill of Sydney during the round two A-League match. Picture: Getty

Sydney were on top for a good period after that as the Wanderers tried to find their feet.

To their credit, Western Sydney came back strongly and created problems for the Sydney defence.

They should have been level on 19 minutes when the turned defence into attack, breaking quickly from the half way. Jaushua Sotirio found himself some space on the right and got into the box before laying off a pass to Oriol Riera, who put his shot wide from close range.

The Wanderers missed another great opportunity in the 33rd minute when Tarek Elrich got down the right flank and put in a cross that Sydney goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne parried away into the path of Bonevacia.

However, the Dutchman clutched at his first time shot and sent it over the bar when he should have at least hit the target.

Ryhan Grant of Sydney FC celebrates after Alex Brosque of Sydney FC scored his team’s second goal during the round two A-League match between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers. Picture: Getty

It was promising football from the Wanderers and certainly pointed to them making a real fist of the second half.

However, it was Sydney that struck just 15 minutes into the half to extend their lead.

The Wanderers got very messy in defence, allowing Ninkovic to slip in and thread a lovely ball through to Brosque, who put his left footer away to make it 2-0.