In a game the Wanderers lost 3-0, Victory defender Jason Geria chopped down the Japanese import seven minutes into the second half when the home side had just the one goal advantage.

Gillett elected not to point to the spot, however, and gave the goal kick in Saturday's match at Etihad Stadium. Replays showed Geria did not get a touch on the ball as he took down the winger.

 

“There are certain things out of your control. That decision, if that’s not a penalty, then he should book him (Jumpei) for diving,” Popovic said.

“It’s a goal kick so what’s he done? He’s dived? It can’t be clearer than that, that’s a clear penalty, so we have to move on. They'll explain themselves and move on as well, hopefully we can do better and move on too.

“There won’t be a clearer one this season in the A-League that you will not see and their game changes.”

Victory over Wanderers ends unbeaten run

The result saw the Wanderers claim its third loss of the season and now sit seventh on the A-League table with six points.

Popovic highlighted his team’s performance against Victory was not reflective of the scoreline and still believed they played “exciting attacking football”.

“There are certain things we’re working on, we know in six weeks a lot better and we know in 12 weeks it’ll be a lot better, our football to be playing the way we are is fantastic,” he said.

“When the game was open it was perfect for Melbourne Victory, if they get you on the break goals change games, even at 2-0 we had fantastic opportunities to get it back to 2-1.

“There were clear opportunities for Kerem Bulut, Jumpei - it just wasn’t to be. Again, a goal can change a game. Overall we’re disappointed, we’re getting punished for mistakes which is clear.

“Our football is excellent, we need to do better in that final third with the final pass and shot to actually get rewarded for our good play.”

Western Sydney return home next week to play Melbourne City and it is unclear whether Brandon Santalab, who was subsituted for Bulut at half-time with a calf strain will be available for the crucial clash.