JUNINHO has warned that on-field thuggery is destroying the A-League's potential "beautiful game", saying his natural talent is being suppressed in Australia.
"I am suffering a lot because of the violence," said Juninho, who in recent weeks has become more marked than marquee, particularly while carrying a shoulder injury.
"The tackling is continuous and I know it belongs to football. But it cannot be the main part of the game.
"It is not like this anywhere so it should not be like this here."
Speaking to a Brazilian newspaper Juninho, who has been nursing a shoulder injury since round two, said the A-League needed to look after its skilful players.
"Unfortunately this football has a lot to improve," Juninho said. "Especially the violence which has been used in Australia."
The playmaker made a plea to the A-League's officials to crack down on referees. "I am begging the referees to do the utmost and all they can to stop the violent game that makes Australia have an ugly football."
Juninho said the Australian game based itself on unfairly stopping the creators of the game. "They first think of tackling and not the football," he said. "Defenders in Australia are extremely violent."
Given the Brazilian's two spells in England and one in Scotland - arguably the two most physically demanding leagues in the world - his criticism is the more remarkable.
"They have amazing potential (Australian players)," he said. "They have great players in Australia.
"But referees must protect creative and skilled players. We are at the mercy of violence and players who first think to destroy."
Juninho sang the praises of some of the league's showmen who he said should be given every opportunity to play the beautiful game.
"There are excellent players who could build up an excellent football," he said. "But they become scared.
"I am in love with this country. I am not sorry for my move.
"The only thing I'm saying is for referees to do all they can, to keep the fair play. Because in the end everyone will enjoy it. The public and the creative player will be more secure to show the beautiful game."
Meanwhile, the fallout from Sydney's clash with Melbourne on Saturday continued yesterday, with FC believed to be contemplating a ban on away supporters.
After widespread reports of bad behaviour by Melbourne fans, Sydney officials are considering refusing to pay for a separate policed section for Victory fans at future games in Sydney, or even banning the purchase of tickets by Victorian residents.
The club believes the cost of providing even more security would mean them making a loss, after a Melbourne fan evaded stewards to confront Sydney fans before the game.
Witnesses said Victory fans tore seats out and smuggled fireworks into the stadium. The situation was further complicated by Sydney fans who threw water bottles at referee Mark Shield as he left the field.
FC officials are reviewing CCTV footage of the incident to identify the perpetrators, determined to set a lead in banning those responsible.
Amid other reports of cars being attacked and officials intimidated by Victory fans, Sydney will discuss with the SCG Trust, who run the SFS, to see what measures that can be taken.
Sydney boss Branko Culina may also come under scrutiny for comments made to the referee, with the FC boss reportedly saying to Shield as he headed towards the tunnel: "If the police need to escort you, it's not a good sign."
Round 7 of the A-League 2007-08 has produced some interesting moments throughout the country. Accusations have been made that the A-League's 'thug-like' onfield play has decreased its good name, but all teams enjoyed a close-to satisfying game, whatever the result.

WA team Perth Glory is still stalling in its win drought, sparking calls for coach Ron Smith's dismissal, however this was met with limited concern. The low attendance numbers were partly due to the Perth Glory vs Adelaide United match with one of the lowest crowds in Perth's history, 6252.

* '''Attendance/Average:''' 49,768 / 12,442