‘I don’t think he got away with it’: VAR leaves Victory pondering what could have been
Christian Montegan 
Melbourne Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo. Photo: Texi Smith
Melbourne Victory will be left to rue missed opportunities, but they also escaped unscathed in a Grand Final rematch stalemate as VAR became the main talking point.
The first VAR involvement of the new season arrived after the half-hour mark when Jason Geria was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge in the middle of the pitch.
However, replays watched by referee Alireza Faghani saw no studs showing and a lack of malice, resulting in red turning into yellow.
Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo was quick to defend Geria during his post-match press conference, denying that the defender got away with one when asked post-game.
“I don’t think he got away with it. It’s not a red card; there were actually no studs,” said Kisnorbo.
“There was no malice. I don’t think there was actually anything in it to be honest. I think you [the reporter] have got that one wrong. I think it was a perfect challenge.”
Instead of capitalising on the lifeline, captain Roderick Miranda placed his side in an uneasy position after dangerously raising his boot; sent off in the 60th minute after VAR removed the initial yellow card awarded.
With blood gushing down from Doka’s head, a shocked Miranda could have little complaints, a sentiment echoed by his manager.
“I know the ref probably has to send the player off,” Kisnorbo confessed.
“Interpretation, by law, is probably that.
“I look at it from a coaching [perspective] and I think the intent wasn’t there to actually kick Doka in the head, but obviously it’s part of the rule where it’s a high foot.
“There was no malice, but the ref is probably following the letter of the law.”
Prior to the send-off, striker Bruno Fornaroli, a surprise inclusion to start ahead of Nikos Vergos, missed a penalty on the stroke of half-time which rattled the post before Nishan Velupillay butchered a sitter after the break.
It was a scrappy encounter with tackles flying from every angle in tough conditions to the point where Kisnorbo was involved in the action.
From dominating proceedings to being forced on the back foot with a man disadvantage, Victory’s encouraging perseverance was one positive to highlight.
“With 10 men we showed resilience. We were hard to break down,” said Kisnorbo.
“The full 10 [players] defended collectively, so it was great to see.”
Victory will prepare to face Melbourne City in the derby next Saturday without the suspended Miranda, but welcome back Daniel Arzani.