Australia claim referees treating them unfairly

OEHRINGEN, Germany, June 19 (Reuters) Australia fear they are being unfairly treated by referees at the World Cup because of their reputation as a tough physical team.

Australia assistant coach Graham Arnold told reporters today that the smaller soccer nations were getting a rough deal whenever they play the sport's traditional superpowers.

His view echoed comments by U.S. coach Bruce Arena after two of his players were sent off against Italy.

Australia were awarded just nine free kicks in yesterday's 2-0 loss to Brazil in Munich while the world champions got 25. The Australians also claim both goals came from offside positions.

German referee Markus Merk booked Australia midfielder Brett Emerton for dissent after a seemingly timid challenge on Roberto Carlos then reported Harry Kewell for misconduct, claiming the winger insulted him after the match.

''It's very unlike Harry Kewell to react like that but it was a bit of frustration, not only on his part but all the team's part, on some of the decisions,'' Arnold said.

''The fact that (Australia captain) Mark Viduka tried to speak to the referee but he wouldn't have a bit of it just frustrated the players even more.

''Unfortunately, Australia is still viewed as a small footballing nation and we get penalised for it.'' Midfielder Vince Grella, one of four Australians given yellow cards in their 3-1 win over Japan, said the Socceroos' were victims of a smear campaign from their opponents.

The chairman of the Japan Football Association criticised Australia's physical style before their Group F match and Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira did the same before their match.

''Apart from what a few people have been saying about us, if you watch the games I think we've been playing some good football,'' Grella said.

''Modern soccer is physical. All games are pretty physical these days,'' he added.

Kewell missed Monday's practice session to have treatment on his groin and Australia suffered another blow when defender Tony Popovic was ruled out of Thursday's decisive match against Croatia because of a calf strain.

Australia are striving to qualify for the second round for the first time but need to win their final game or draw and hope Japan fail to beat Brazil by three goals.

''If you said to me before this competition started that going into the third game against Croatia we'd only need a draw or a win to go through then I would have signed off on that straight away,'' Arnold said.

''I envisioned before the competition that it would get down to goal average or we would have to win but now we've got a 66 percent chance instead of 50-50.'' REUTERS PDS BST0145