Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay has labelled Alex Rufer's sending off in their 1-1 draw with Macarthur FC a "very soft" decision.
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
The A-League newcomers came from behind to keep Wellington winless after two matches at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday night.
But the officials were in the spotlight after the fixture, thanks to the red card shown to Rufer in the 63rd minute.
The Phoenix midfielder was deemed to have lashed out at Macarthur player Denis Genreau after the pair went to the ground having contested for a loose ball.
Referee Stephen Lucas only sent Rufer on his way after video assistant referee Kris Griffiths-Jones intervened and asked him to assess the incident.
Macarthur equalised just four minutes later through Markel Susaeta.
"My opinion is it is a very soft red card," Talay said.
"I know my players quite well and Rufer isn't that type of player.
"I thought we were cruising, I thought we were playing some really good football and I think that decision changed the game."
The result came after the Phoenix lost their season opener 2-1 to Sydney FC, thanks to a pair of impressive long-range finishes from the defending champions.