Adelaide United head coach Airton Andrioli delivered a scathing assessment of VAR in the A-League Men, claiming it is “destroying” football.

Andrioli was speaking after Adelaide drew 1-1 with leaders Newcastle Jets, who salvaged a draw in the 94th minute on Saturday night.

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In an entertaining game between two attacking sides, there were a couple of contentious moments at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Leading 1-0 at the time, Adelaide thought they had doubled their advantage late in the contest but a VAR review deemed the ball had gone out of play in the build-up to Ethan Alagich find the back of the net.

Then, Daniel Wilmering rescued a point for the Jets in the 94th minute amid calls for offside.

It prompted a passionate post-game press conference response from Andrioli.

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“A sense of frustration and disappointment. Such a great game of football that I’m probably going to walk away with this bitter taste in mouth again that VAR is destroying our game,” the Brazilian told reporters.

“Unless they have a camera that can show me and unless we have different rules in Australia, the FIFA rules says if it’s not clear and obvious and if there is no camera to show, the referee’s call on the field stays. That is the rule.

“The lineswoman was in the best position to see. She ran to the middle, the referee ran to the middle. VAR, whatever they see in Sydney, calls the referee in and disallows the goal. They spent I don’t know how long to make that decision.

“I’m sorry it sounds like I’m whinging here but twice in a game? It’s frustrating. For me, it’s ruining the game of football.

“Twice, celebrate the goal and disallowed.

“I always say this to be consistent with my opinion, I think the referee as the official officiators do a great job on the pitch. The way we’re using technology is actually hindering our game and putting our game backwards.

“For that reason, instead of talking about a great game of football tonight… I’m here talking about this again. So, somebody has to look into that.

“The referee’s decision should stand.”

🗣️ “This is happening TOO MUCH!”

🗣️ “I don’t see how that’s really happening at this level!”

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— Football360.com.au (@football360au) April 11, 2026