SYDNEY (AP) - The A-League says Sydney FC became the first side in world domestic football to benefit from the use of new video review rules after the system granted the side a penalty in the second half of its 1-1 draw with the Wellington Phoenix in the New Zealand capital on Saturday.
With 20 minutes remaining in a scoreless match, Sydney fullback Michael Zullo swung a corner into the box, which was deflected off Wellington defender Marco Rossi before being cleared away.
Immediately, Sydney players told referee Shaun Evans that the Phoenix player used his hand to knock the cross down.
When the ball was put out of play 30 seconds later, video official Jarred Gillett had time to review the footage, which resulted in Evans pointing to the penalty spot.
Striker Bobo stepped up and hit the spot kick for his 15th goal of the season, giving the visitors the lead.
But Michael McGlinchey scored a stoppage-time equalizer to give Wellington the draw with first-placed Sydney.
Fifth-placed Perth clinched a playoff berth by beating Brisbane 3-1. The Roar were already guaranteed a third- or fourth-place finish with one round to play in the regular season.
Melbourne City moved closer to clinching a home playoff after veteran Socceroo Tim Cahill’s header helped to defeat Adelaide United 1-0. Cahill arched his back perfectly to flick Nicolas Colazo’s corner over the Reds defense and inside the back post in the first half.
Western Sydney and second-placed Melbourne Victory played to 0-0, with the Wanderers taking the sixth and final playoff spot.
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