Phoenix coach shares his perspective on key issue from Brisbane draw: ‘This is simply my view’

Wellington Phoenix manager Giancarlo Italiano believes his team was unjustly denied a penalty following a challenge by Brisbane Roar’s Walid Shour on Hideki Ishige during the first half of their 1-1 stalemate at Sky Stadium on Thursday.

Ishige went to ground in the penalty area after Shour made contact, having skillfully controlled the ball off his thigh to outpace the Roar midfielder.

MATCH REPORT: Wellington frustrated by last-placed Roar as penalty non-call leaves Phoenix seething

Shour connected with Ishige’s leg as he attempted to clear the ball, prompting referee Jack Morgan to pause the game and consult the pitchside monitor.

However, after reviewing the incident and communicating with VAR, Morgan returned to the game to uphold the initial decision, stating: “There is contact – it is not a foul. No penalty.”

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Defender Scott Wootton labelled the incident a “clear-cut penalty” during his post-match chat with Sky Sports. Yet as Italiano joined the discussion following the drawn match, he articulated his reasoning for agreeing with the referee’s no-penalty decision.

“This is just my perspective, without seeing it again,” Italiano commented.

“When Ishige takes the touch, it’s a heavy touch. Hence, the interpretation is whether he can still make a play after the contact. If his touch was lighter and he had the opportunity to volley the second ball, you could argue convincingly for a penalty.

“Yes, there is contact. However, if the player had gone in with his studs, regardless of the touch, that would be reckless and deserving of a penalty. But I don’t believe this warrants one.”

MATCH REPORT: Wellington frustrated by last-placed Roar as penalty non-call leaves Phoenix seething

Phoenix icon Paul Ifill joined Italiano on the Sky Sports post-match show, asking whether a similar foul would have been awarded anywhere on the pitch aside from the penalty area.

“Absolutely,” Italiano responded. “But discretion tends to be lower outside the box.”

“It’s a tricky situation. Players are astute and often look for those small advantages from contact. The referees are doing a commendable job of focusing on intent, which is quite challenging to determine.

“I believe their approach makes it difficult to conclusively prove a foul occurred. That’s not necessarily a negative thing. Until they refine it completely – which may never happen – they have a solid process in place, and with time, I believe there will be greater consistency.”