Adelaide striker Travis Dodd's goal from a penalty kick in the 82nd minute broke a 1-1 deadlock, but Mitchell believed the infringement - Lucas Pantelis being tripped by Glory skipper Jason Coyne - occurred outside the box rather than in the box as judged, costing his side the chance to come away from the match with a draw.

"Unfortunately it was a call that cost us the game," Mitchell said of the whistle against Coyne for an incident which he believed occurred 'clearly outside' the box.

"Unjustly we didn't (finish with a draw) … I think they (Adelaide) had a bit of help from the referee today."

Still, Mitchell paid credit to the way the Reds went about their business.

"They're a good side, they've got options all over the side and they're very sturdy, well organised and well drilled," Mitchell said.

"For our team it was about us … we performed admirably and did really well."

"I think the referee had a good game today, but I think he made one bad decision that has cost us, it's cost the club."

"I think maybe he should have consulted the linesman but he didn't - it's a decision that's cost us dearly."

"That's why coaches get upset when crucial decisions cost you games. That's the second time this year that it's happened to us so it's cost us points."

Mitchell sees a lot of positives in introducing a referral or technology assistance system into the Hyundai A-League.

"I think it (technology during the game) is used in other codes so why don't we look at it?" he said, mentioning it could be used for 'corners, shirt pulling and free kicks'.

"I think if it's there, why don't we use it or try it at least."

"I think there's a lot of benefits, for example the World Cup (2006) when Australia lost to Italy is a perfect example where it's cost us."