A-League: Wellington Phoenix fall foul to VAR howler in Melbourne City loss

Phoenix players appeal to the referee over a controversial decision. Credit: Image - Getty, Video - Sky Sport

The Wellington Phoenix have been left irate, after a VAR replay howler cost them a well-earned point against Melbourne City.

The winless A-League club's 3-2 defeat leaves them languishing at the bottom of the table after four games.

But they deserved at least a point, after matching the league leaders throughout the 90 minutes.

The key moment came early in the second half, with the 'Nix trailing 2-1, when Melbourne's Denis Genreau's cross into the penalty area rebounded off Louis Fenton's chest.

Referee Ben Abraham immediately blew for a spot-kick, which confused both sets of players.

VAR stepped in and after two minutes of deliberation, Abraham's call stood, leaving Fenton and his side in a state of disbelief.

The spot-kick was cooly converted by Craig Noone, giving City a two-goal lead.

Ben Waine pulled the 'Nix back to within a goal in injury time, but the clock ran out on a potential comeback.

A disgusted Fenton let rip at match officials following the final whistle.

"It didn't even f****ng hit my hand. It's f****d," Fenton told interviewer Archie Thompson, before storming off.

They had earlier taken the lead through Gary Hooper - their first lead of the season - but a quick double-strike through Connor Metcalfe and Scott Galloway put Melbourne in front.

Join us at 6pm Sunday for live updates of the Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory A-League clash

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