Ufuk Talay is urging A-League Men referees to use common sense in their application of VAR after a controversial send-off soured Sydney FC’s A-League Men clash with Melbourne Victory.
The two sides shared the points in a 1-1 draw at AAMI Park on Friday but Patrick Wood’s dismissal for making contact with his studs up on Victory’s Adama Traore has become the biggest talking point.
Wood planted his studs on Traore’s shins as the pair competed for a high ball in the 37th minute.
Referee Adam Kersey was called over to review the decision on the pitchside screens and after watching slow-motion replays gave Wood a straight red.
But Talay said officials needed to have a better feel for the game, underling that both players were battling for the ball and neither of them got hurt.
“I think it was a poor decision,” Talay said.
“He got a call from VAR to have a look at it.
“I believe every time you go to look at something you are looking to find something.
“When you slow it down, it probably looks even worse than what it is.
“They both have a high leg. There is contact but the intent wasn’t to break Adama’s leg. I think you can tell when someone's really coming into hurt someone.”
Talay was forced to tinker with his front line and revert to a lower defensive line for the second half.
Starved of possession and territory, Sydney’s defence and goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne delivered a heroic display to prevent Victory from snatching a win.
“I’m very proud of the group, very proud of the energy and effort that they put into it,” Talay said.
“To walk away with a point with 10 men against good opposition - away from home - we'll take a lot of positives from that.
Sydney may have Wood on deck for next week’s away clash with Western United, pending the findings of Football Australia’s match review panel.
If Wood is handed a suspension, Sydney may consider themselves a strong chance of having grounds to get it overturned.
Asked whether he had plans to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes, Talay said he had “something bubbling in the background”.
