Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold was left fuming in his post match press-conference following his side’s lethargic 0-0 draw with Perth Glory, but it wasn’t the result that had the former Socceroo enraged.

Stifling conditions hampered the spectacle in the Round Seven encounter at NIB Stadium, 34 degree heat preventing both sets of players from performing at their peak.

“It was a game from the 1980’s,” Arnold remarked.

“Does it need someone to die first? How can you get people interested if you’re asking 22 players to play in 36 degree heat and can’t move?

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Chances were at a premium for both sides with only one shot on target each. The lack of entertainment combined with a season low attendance for Perth Glory of 6 976 begs the question as to why a game in such conditions was not played later in the evening.

“[Fox Sports] could’ve played Wanderers at 7:30 and us at 9:30 Sydney time, 6:30 here, it’s beautiful out there now” the Sky Blues manager remarked.

Arnold went on to lament the wet bulb temperature system that is currently used to determine whether the players are safe to play by begging for common sense and simply saying “let’s be fair.”

With summer fast approaching it’s a timely reminder that Football Federation Australia have not only a responsibility to facilitate entertaining football but a duty of care to ensure player safety as well.