The pair were banned for two games after being found guilty of simulation by the match review panel, but were given no chance to defend themselves or appeal the decisions.

Tonight the FFA insisted it was standing by the decisions to "reaffirm its strong stance that simulation had no place in football in Australia."

FFA CEO Ben Buckley added: “The match review process in place is designed to supplement and support referees in their adjudication of on-field incidents,”

“The Match Review Panel comprises three independent highly experienced, independent professionals. They have the advantage of viewing broadcast footage with multiple angles and they have the luxury of time, unlike the referee who is operating in the match environment.

“We’re committed to ensuring we have a robust, independent, fair and efficient disciplinary system.

“Every year at the end of the season we review the system and consult separately with the clubs and the PFA.

“Over the course of the last few days, the clubs involved in this weekend’s incidents have raised some issues of concern with us over the operation of the system.

 “We have assured the clubs that they will have the opportunity for significant input during the annual review process. 

"FFA remains committed to this consultative process and will ensure that it provides a forum to hear the views of all relevant stakeholders through a working group comprising representatives of clubs, the PFA and referees.

"Any recommendations arising from this review that are adopted will come into force for next season."   

Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold is adamant star signing Patricio Perez did nothing wrong and was rightly awarded a penalty in Saturday's controversial 1-1 A-League draw against Sydney.

Perez went to ground following a challenge from Sydney goalkeeper Liam Reddy in the 70th minute. Referee Matthew Breeze awarded a penalty and red carded Reddy before Perez stepped up and duly slotted home from the penalty spot.

On Monday, Football Federation Australia suspended Perez from Friday night's match against Melbourne Victory at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, and the following week's contest against Melbourne Heart, also at Gosford.

Arnold said: "I've watched it from angles and there was contact. Reddy made contact with his left foot and after that he went down. It was a penalty.''

The Mariners are said to have called in biomechanical experts to back their case but have no avenue currently open to them to state their case.

But they are not ruling out legal action if the FFA won't re-open the case.

However the club denied Perez was on the verge of a return home to Argentina over the incident.

"Obviously the guy is disappointed because he got touched and went down - we definitely think he got touched," Mariners football manager Lawrie McKinna told AAP.

"We think it is unfair to label him a cheat when the evidence is inconclusive.

"(But) as far as him going home, he's upset but he is a professional player and he is contracted to the club for two years."

Despite the controversy, Arnold was delighted with the debut of Perez and is looking forward to having the attacking midfielder back for a round seven away trip to the Gold Coast.

"He wasn't on the field that long but he showed us what he is capable of,'' Arnold said. "It was a very exciting debut.''