Wellington Phoenix winless streak extended after draw with Macarthur

Playing with 10 men, Wellington extended their winless A-League run in NSW after a controversial 1-1 draw with Macarthur at Campbelltown Stadium.

The draw marked their seventh-straight game without a win in their adopted home state, while the Bulls are also yet to score a win in front of their new home fans.

Early dominance looked promising for the Phoenix, however, the game was marred by a controversial red card to Wellington's Alex Rufer for kicking out at the legs of midfielder Denis Genreau in a contest.

With the Nix leading 1-0 after 62 minutes, Genreau appeared to fall awkwardly but the VAR called for a review of the incident, and the referee deemed it dangerous enough to give Rufer his marching orders.

Confusion rang out on social media over the call, while Robbie Slater rubbished the decision in the the Fox Sports commentary box.

"Since the VAR has come in, that's the worst decision I've seen," he said.

It proved crucial for the Nix who conceded soon after, Spaniard Markel Susaeta finding space and beating 'keeper Stefan Marinovic to level the scores.

There was further drama late in the match when Marinovic went down with a groin injury while defending a shot, but could not be substituted.

Earlier, Nix star David Ball gave his side the lead with a goal after a sharp pass from James McGarry.

The Wollongong-based side have now been in Australia since the start of November, but due to border closures across the country will not play another game until January 24 when they face Newcastle at WIN Stadium.

The two-week break will be a hurdle for the side who are still developing match fitness just two games into the A-League season.

Meanwhile, Macarthur will also play the Jets in their next clash at McDonald Jones Stadium on Jan. 17.