JUBILEE STADIUM \u2014 Sydney FC were denied what looked like a clear penalty in their Australia Cup semi-final against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday night, only putting further spotlight on the current dispute between the officials and the game\u2019s governing body.<\/p>\n
The entire refereeing team for the match was flown in from Singapore<\/a>, after the Professional Football Referees Association announced last Friday that its members would not accept assignments for Australia Cup, Australian Championship or pre-season trials<\/a> until its disagreement with Football Australia is resolved.<\/p>\n In turn, Muhammed Taqi was the man with the whistle and he was not popular with Sky Blues fans after his call in the 23rd minute.<\/p>\n Takahiro Sekine put his body on the line and got to Jake Hollman\u2019s lifted delivery first, before being clattered by Victory goalkeeper Jack Duncan, who only made contact with the player and not the ball.<\/p>\n MATCH REPORT: Melbourne Victory through to Australia Cup Final as Big Blue semi shines light on refereeing crisis<\/a><\/p>\n The Japanese import stayed down and received treatment with many in the stadium in disbelief that a goal kick had been awarded, including Paramount+ commentator Andy Harper.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a penalty, but it\u2019s not going to be a penalty, because there\u2019s no VAR,\u201d Harper said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s missed the ball and got the player.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cEven in live speed, Jack Duncan never got there.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a brutal collision, a horrible collision\u2026 you hope Sekine is alright.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt should have been a penalty for Sydney\u201d.<\/p>\n That was the major flashpoint of a first half that saw Melbourne Victory take the lead inside two minutes when Joe Lacey was robbed by Matt Grimaldi, who teed up Keegan Jelacic for a clinical finish into the bottom corner.<\/p>\n Victory with a perfect start to the Semi! \u26a1\ufe0f<\/p>\n An absolute dream for the visitors, as Keegan Jelacic strikes in the 2nd minute to give @gomvfc<\/a> the early edge in Sydney<\/p>\n Watch the #AustraliaCup<\/a> live and exclusive on Paramount+ \ud83d\udcfa pic.twitter.com\/OLRu2maH4a<\/a><\/p>\n