Western Sydney Wanderers coach Markus Babbel saw red for what he describes as a "disgraceful" decision from the Video Assistant Referee to disallow his side a goal in the derby, but could not be fonder of the use of the technology in the A-League.
Babbel was sent off after the hour-mark in the Wanderers' 2-0 defeat to Sydney FC on Saturday night after kicking an advertising sign in protest against Roly Bonevacia's strike controversially being rubbed out after interference from the VAR.
Marching orders: Wanderers head coach Markus Babbel walks from the field after receiving a red card.Credit:AAP
Babbel stood by his claims the decision was incorrect, despite not being informed of the reason for the goal disallowance.
Like almost everyone watching and involved in the game, Babbel believed Bonevacia's goal was ruled out because of a minor foul against Sydney FC defender Michael Zullo before post-match clarification confirmed it was for an offside in the build-up to the play, despite the player not coming in contact with the ball. That clarification didn't appease Babbel, who stood firm suggesting his team was robbed of a clear goal.
"No, I could see on this screen that this is not an offside. He thinks this is a foul from Josh Sotirio but I havent seen a foul. So for me it's a hundred percent goal," Babbel said. "If you are not a hundred percent clear, dont say a word."
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However, Babbel didn't join the chorus for VAR's removal, instead stating his support for the tool when used correctly.
“I love it. I like it because normally it makes it much easier for the referee," Babbel said. "Its a difficult job for the referee, its not easy. I understand this because its very difficult, the game is always going quicker and quicker and you always have to run a lot and you have to see the right thing, its not easy. This is the reason why I like it. Its a great help for the referee but hey, you have to do the right decisions in the box."
The Wanderers coach lashed out at a perceived lack of physicality in the A-League, outlining his disappointment in Australian players' toughness in games.
"I came to Australia and I think they all are f—ing rough but at the moment we are playing basketball on the pitch. If someone gets touched you only have to scream and its a free kick and it makes me mad. Maybe Im old-fashioned but this is not my game at the moment," he said.
"Now I'm thinking Australia is going forward here but I have to watch rugby or Australian football, these are hard games."
Dominic Bossi is a football reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald.
