The FFA Match Review Panel deemed Central Coast’s Patricio Perez and Perth Glory’s Michael Baird committed acts of simulation during their respective weekend games that were not detected by the referees.

In the Perez case, the keeper at the centre of the incident Liam Reddy of Sydney FC had his red card expunged following his second half dismissal during his side’s 1-1 draw with the Mariners.

Baird’s simulation earned Glory a penalty in the dying stages of their game against Melbourne Heart Sunday at AAMI Park to help the visitors rescue a point in a 2-2 draw.

Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka took time out from the sky blues community coaching program at Macquarie University to offer his thoughts on the decision.

“The referee works on the pitch and everyone makes mistake," he said. "The referee didn’t see it but FFA make decision like this.

"I think every coach doesn’t like players to dive and telling players before a game, ‘let’s do it’.

“But sometimes these things happen and I think it’s an important step by FFA to say, ‘stop, don’t do it this way’.”

Sydney FC CEO Edwin Lugt hailed the FFA’s actions in response to the controversial incidents and hoped it would deter future would-be divers.

“We are pleased that the red card has been overturned and that the FFA have acknowledged that a significant error which effected the end result of the match was made by the referee,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“The evidence is quite clear and the decision to reinstate Liam is correct.We can’t take back the result but at least we know have our goalkeeper back.”

And the Sydney FC CEO implored the national governing body to improve refereeing standards based on the evidence of not only last weekend but the season so far. 

“As our game and players become more professional it is absolutely essential that the referees do too," he said.

“We hope that the FFA will invest in education and further development of referee’s in Australia. The events from the last few weeks have indicated the necessity of this.

“For the good of the game the FFA and all of the clubs must be committed to removing simulation and that applies to Sydney FC too.

“This needs to be a joint commitment because it’s hurting our game.”