Macarthur boss Dwight Yorke has called on A-League Men referees to give better protection to the competition's star players after his two key men - Ulises Davila and Daniel Arzani - were on the end of some rough treatment in their 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory.
An 84th minute strike from substitute forward Ben Folami proved the difference on Sunday as Victory moved up to fifth spot on the ladder ahead of a derby with City next week.
Macarthur lost their fizz once Arzani and Davila were taken off in the 73rd minute after being subjected to some close scrutiny from a compact and well-organised Victory side.
Arzani picked up a shoulder complaint for his trouble and captain Davila, who was just back from a hamstring issue, was the subject of some heavy fire.
"It's something that we are very concerned about," Yorke said.
"We seem to be singled out because we've got two exciting players and they target our players.
"I think the referees need to protect those two players and don't get the rub of the green. I don't want to point the finger at them (referees).
"Good players get kicked all the time but I don't think they have got protected as well as they could."
The Bulls boss was confident that Arzani's injury wasn't too serious after a sapping afternoon's play in front of 3312 fans at Campbelltown Stadium.
Both teams were affected by the temperature which reached 30C on Sunday, with neither side really finding their groove until the second half when there was sufficient cloud cover.
Macarthur keeper Filip Kurto was one of his side's best denying well-placed efforts from Nick D'Agostino and Nani.
Victory boss Tony Popovic turned to Folami just before the hour mark in the hope he could break the game.
Very soon after his introduction he nearly did, with Macarthur defender Tomislav Uskok fortunate to have not been penalised for a push in the back as Folami rushed into the Bulls' penalty box.
"At the time you're think it's a clear penalty," said Popovic. "I still sit here surprised but we have to respect the decision."
Victory began to hit their straps once Yorke took Davila and Arzani from the field and when Folami was played in on goal he managed to poke past Kurto, with the visiting side clinging on for a vital win.
"We knew it would be a very tough game," Popovic said. "We looked disjointed in the first six games - not through a lack of effort but maybe trying too hard.
"We looked more in control today, there's a lot more growth to come."
