Victory coach says Melbourne derby needs more City fans

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Victory coach says Melbourne derby needs more City fans

Melbourne Victory coach Arthur Diles says the Melbourne derby needs the game’s best referees – and for Melbourne City fans to turn up.

AAMI Park was pumping during a pulsating 2-2 draw between two teams pushing for finals on Saturday night.

But the game was somewhat taken over by several contentious refereeing decisions, including a controversial penalty and players escaping red cards.

When asked if referee Jonathan Barreiro struggled to handle the occasion, Diles said: “You’d have to ask him.

“Big occasions, I think they should always put the best referees to ref these big occasions and that’s always a reward for the best referees.

“I don’t know if that was the case.”

The Melbourne derby has lacked some of the aura of its Sydney counterpart in recent years, and has struggled to fill the smaller AAMI Park recently, despite a raucous, largely pro-Victory contingent.

“You look out there tonight when it’s our home game and it’s pretty one-sided in terms of fans. You look when it’s their home game, and it’s pretty much the same,” Diles said.

“So there’s one team that’s really making this derby fill the stands, and, unfortunately, that’s the reality.

“You’d like to see more from the opposing team turn up, that’s for sure, to make it even a ******* derby and to create more atmosphere.

“But it’s credit for our fans. Whether it’s home or away, our fans turn up in numbers, and that’s what makes this club what it is.”

Diles is already turning his focus to next Saturday’s must-win away clash with cellar dwellers Brisbane.

Victory sit in a cluster of teams vying for a top-two spot.

Leaders Auckland (39 points) are well clear of the chasing pack — Adelaide (31), Victory (29), Western Sydney (28), City (28), Sydney FC (26), Western United (26) and Macarthur (25).

The top *********** team will qualify for the Asian Champions League Elite.

“That’s great for the league, because it gives everyone the motivation to turn up every weekend,” Diles said.

“Not that they don’t. But you know how quickly things can change. You can be playing finals football. You can see you’re a chance to qualify for Asia. There’s a lot of things at stake.

“When the competition’s this tight, it’s great for fans and spectators, for the teams as well. It’s always giving you something to play for.

“That’s why it’s important that you turn up every week and do the best you can. Don’t look too far ahead and get ready every day for the next battle.”

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