Berisha’s elbow appeared to connect with the face or throat of Roar's Luke DeVere in the 58th minute of the AAMI Park blockbuster, prompting referee Chris Beath to brandish a straight red. Replays suggest the contact was minimal.

Broich, himself one of the most fouled players in the history of the A-League, has his own doubts about the send-off of his former team-mate.

“I didn’t really see it, even on the replay it wasn’t clear so I don’t know what happened,” Broich told FourFourTwo. 

“I think there was contact but whether or not it was a red card was a debatable decision I reckon.

“It wasn’t diving, not at all. I spoke to Lukey too and he said there was contact. But there can be contact and it doesn’t have to be a red card straight away. But like I said, I didn’t have a clear view on the situation so I’m not the one to judge that.

“Was it intentional? I don’t know about that.”

And with all the controversy regarding simulation this season, Broich did not feel it affected football’s reputation in Australia.

In particular, Roar defender Jade North and Melbourne City players Neil Kilkenny and Fernando Brandan have been slammed for simulating this season.

“I don’t think (it affects the image), there’s controversial decisions, but it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no sportsmanship,” he said.

“There was contact and there was a red card and that was it. It doesn’t mean Bes elbowed him and it doesn’t mean Lukey dived, it was just one of those situations.

“All over the world… there's always a lot of controversy in football so it’s natural, it’s part of the game and entertainment. It’s what people want, the game's over and we’re still talking about it… that’s what people love.”

Broich said he was disappointed Roar had lost three games in a row leaving the club 11 points behind second-placed Victory.

The German only managed 18 minutes on Friday, but says he felt good physically.

“The way I see it, we shouldn’t be too concerned about the top two spots, it’s about building momentum going into the finals,” Broich said.

“We had a chance to really attack the top two teams but had a few unnecessary losses and that’s costly, you can’t afford that.

“Even against Newcastle at home or Sydney away, we had good chances, but the keeper made some good saves and it was 1-0 to them. But if we continue like that results will come our way.”