Melbourne Victory defender Rhys Williams says the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has taken the physicality out of the A-League.
Australia is one of several countries who are trialling the VAR in their domestic competitions, and it has come under plenty of scrutiny for what it can determine, and at times how long it has taken to make such decisions.
The 14-time Socceroo is a staunch opponent of the concept, and feels the referee’s human view can make for more excitement.
“I can’t stand it. I cannot stand it,” Williams told SEN Breakfast.
“I’ve been done with it a couple of times. I’m not a malicious player, but it takes the physicality out of the league. We all like that little argy bargy. Now it’s going to stop.
“It’s a difficult one, like you saw on the weekend Bes (Besart Berisha) has scored and we’ve run all the way back and got in our positions again, and then we had to run all the way back because it was offside.
“Sometimes a bit of human error makes it exciting. I’m against it to be honest.”
While denying the advent of the VAR has affected the way he is playing, Williams admitted he enjoys the robust contest with his opposition striker, something he feels is currently being taken away.
“There’s stuff off the ball players love, I love a bit of argy bargy with the striker in the box and when the ball’s up the other end of the pitch,” he said.
“Now you’re at risk of it being brought back and everyone seen it. Fans like it that you can have a little bit of a scuffle together and not get booked for it.
“I think it’s taking a bit of physicality out of the game.”
The Victory are currently in sixth place after Round Nine, following their second win of the season against Wellington Phoenix last weekend.
To hear Rhys Williams talking to the guys on SEN Breakfast click below