24 Oct Melbourne derby marred by VAR decision: Victory CEO

Melbourne Victory CEO Trent Jacobs says last weekend’s Melbourne derby encounter was marred by the contentious VAR decision that contributed to their opening round defeat.

Referee Kurt Ams awarded a dubious penalty to Melbourne City that led to their equalising goal during the first half of Saturday night’s clash at Marvel Stadium.

Jacobs was disappointed that Keisuke Honda’s debut goal was overshadowed by the VAR controversy.

“The FFA have already gone on record both with the Grand Final and with our Round 1 encounter against Melbourne City saying that there was an error,” Jacobs told SEN’s Whateley.

“I believe what they have said is that it was an error in the referee’s interpretation for Round 1 and quite clearly there was a technical error in the Grand Final in the 9th minute.

“Yes, I think the game would much prefer to have headlines being written about Keisuke Honda scoring his maiden goal for the Melbourne Victory rather than being entrenched in controversy around technology.”

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Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich and Fox Sports commentator Simon Hill have called for the use of the VAR to be ceased, but Jacobs disagreed, saying the technology should be given more time.

“Should it be shelved? I think based on what occurred in Round 1 for us, it was based on a referee interruption rather than the VAR,” Jacobs added.

“I would say it is too early for that occur.”

Melbourne take on Perth Glory at AAMI Park this Sunday night.

Listen to Trent Jacobs' chat on SEN's Whateley with Gerard Whateley in the player below