Although coach Ricki Herbert is stopping short of pointing the finger at the officials, he is obviously frustrated at the raw deal his players seem to cop.
A week earlier Paul Ifill had a genuine call for a penalty waved on by referee Gerard Parsons who then compounded his blunder by booking Ifill.
Herbert sees a certain irony in the way the Phoenix are perceived across the Tasman and the way in which the officials seem to be caught up in it.
At Sunday's post-match media conference, Herbert laid it on the line.
"We're second in the league and I think that's caused a few concerns for a few people, if I'm honest," said Herbert.
"We've done extremely well this year. Who gave us a chance? If we're honest, not many people in this room. Certainly not many people across the Tasman."
Durante and Herbert also overlooked what appeared a dubious call by the linesman in not flagging for offside as Besart Berisha swept home the opening goal of the match.
While saying he does not feel he and his players are being victimised, Durante makes it clear that he does not think the officials are up to the task.
Herbert must now shuffle the pack and prepare for the match of the round when first hosts third. Manny Muscat is back from his one-match suspension and will slot in at right back, allowing Vince Lia to move centrally and partner Sigmund.
In the other enforced change, Daniel, who played off the bench against the Roar, could start as Herbert attempts to cover Brown's absence in midfield.
Other key games in the play-off race include the Roar at home to Melbourne Victory and Newcastle's trip to Perth.
