Melbourne Victory have blasted Sydney FC midfielder Terry McFlynn for his poor challenge on Robbie Kruse that left the striker with ligament damage to his right ankle. It was initially feared that Kruse's leg was broken but scans revealed that it was not that severe, although the Victory are not any happier, criticising McFlynn for a reckless tackle.

"It would have been much better at this stage of the year if Robbie hadn't been hacked down when there was no need to do that and Terry McFlynn's going to play in the finals series and Robbie looks like he won't," Victory football operations manager Gary Cole said yesterday.

"That's the disappointing part.

"This has been the worst season for severe injuries and you accept that. But when someone's taken out, the way Robbie Kruse has three times this year ... they're the things that really disappoint you.

"The bloke from Sydney got a yellow card, which is irrelevant now, so it's concerning."

Cole added that Kruse had come under plenty of scrutiny from opposing defenders this season and was seeking protection from higher authorities.

"He doesn't wear something on his head that says 'hit me' or a sign on his back that says 'kick me'," Cole said. "If the FFA and match review panel are not aware of this controversy ... the Sydney papers show quite clearly the tackle on Robbie with the ball two to three metres in front of him. This is a situation very concerning to us."