Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick slammed Adelaide United striker Cristiano after last night's dramatic victory. Merrick said he was "disgusted" with the Brazilian's dive during last night's A-League clash at Hindmarsh Stadium.

He says the sport will go downhill unless diving is stamped out.

"It continually happens, and I have to say it's extremely disappointing, and that can decide a game," he told Fox Sports. "Often one goal is all it takes to decide a game, and it's the same people that throw elbows and take dives."

Merrick said there is room for the use of video replays and that players should be punished for diving.

"I think there's lots to be gained from the technology of video replays and it's been brought into most games, and I'm sure it's a hot topic," he said.

"But I have to say that everyone's pretty disgusted that someone can get rewarded for taking a couple of dives, it's really disappointing."

Victory skipper Kevin Muscat praised his teammates' commitment after the 3-2 win.

He said: "The bounce-backability … this was the Melbourne Victory standards once again."