Glory coach Ian Ferguson vented his frustration on the issue following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Central Coast.

Now Sage has entered the debate, claiming the standard of officiating has gone backwards.

"They need to drop the referees if they are not performing. We've dropped senior players when they are not performing. It's embarrassing for them but we have to do it," he told the west.com.au

"The referees, because of FFA, seem to have a free pass. They don't get criticised."

Glory players surrounded Gerard Parsons after Patrick Zwaanswijk headed the Mariners' equaliser, claiming Josh Risdon had been fouled in the build up.

"The refereeing is much worse this season than any other," Sage added. "I don't know what's happened but it has gone backwards."