Arnold: Perez no diver

Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold is adamant star signing Patricio Perez did nothing wrong and was rightly awarded a penalty in Saturday's controversial 1-1 A-League draw against Sydney.

Arnold is backing the attacking midfielder after the off-season recruit was banned for two matches for simulation following an incident at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday night.

Perez went to ground following a challenge from Sydney goalkeeper Liam Reddy in the 70th minute. Referee Matthew Breeze awarded a penalty and red carded Reddy before Perez stepped up and duly slotted home from the penalty spot.

On Monday, Football Federation Australia suspended Perez from Friday night's match against Melbourne Victory at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, and the following week's contest against Melbourne Heart, also at Gosford.

Arnold said: "I've watched it from angles and there was contact. Reddy made contact with his left foot and after that he went down. It was a penalty.''

Despite the controversy, Arnold was delighted with the debut of Perez and is looking forward to having the attacking midfielder back for a round seven away trip to the Gold Coast.

"He wasn't on the field that long but he showed us what he is capable of,'' Arnold said.

"It was a very exciting debut.''