A-League Review: VAR sparks Phoenix fury as Mariners upset Glory in Perth

Wellington Phoenix were left fuming over a contentious refereeing decision that contributed to their 3-2 defeat to new A-League leaders Melbourne City at AAMI Park.

The visitors trailed by a goal with just under 30 minutes to play when Louis Fenton used his chest to block Denis Genreau's cross.

Match official Ben Abraham pointed to the spot, believing the ball to have ricocheted off the right-back's arm, and a VAR check opted not to intervene after assessing inconclusive replays.

Craig Noone converted the spot-kick amid Fenton's furious protests, which continued in a foul-mouthed post-match interview on live television.

Connor Metcalfe and Scott Galloway had earlier combined to erase Gary Hooper's early opener for Wellington, who grabbed a minor consolation in second-half stoppage time through Ben Waine.

FULL TIME | @MelbourneCity's unbeaten start to the season continues. #ALeague #MCYvWEL pic.twitter.com/QnLXeSJ9oj

— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) November 3, 2019

In Sunday’s late match, Central Coast Mariners claimed a shock 2-1 victory over Perth Glory at HBF Park.

Daniel De Silva and Samuel Silvera produced fine first-half finishes either side of Ivan Franjic's determined effort to net Alen Stajcic's men their first win of the A-League season.

The result leaves Glory, last season's champions, five points adrift of first-placed City, who moved ahead of Western Sydney Wanderers on goals scored in the campaign so far.

Central Coast have collected four points from three games to sit sixth.