City's Argentine midfielder came under fire for simulation twice in the controversial 1-1 draw with Sydney FC after feigning injury in dramatic circumstances following minor clashes with opponents. Brandan acted as if he had been seriously injured after Grant tapped him on the back of the head in the 55th minute of the top-of-the-table clash before appearing to have again feigned injury during a second-half aerial challenge with an opponent.

After scoring a stunning goal earlier in the game, his simulation made him the target of the boo boys in the stands, left the Sky Blues furious about his antics and forced Melbourne City's coach into a somewhat embarrassing explanation of cultural differences in football. However, Sydney FC issued a stern response to John van 't Schip's claims, suggesting their A-League rivals are at risk of becoming known for diving due to a recent history of over-dramatising incidents.

Grant described his contact with Brandan as a "love tap" and said he was shocked by the Argentine's response.

"It was nothing, it was all handbags, like it always is against City, that's just how the game always ends up," Grant said. "I honestly didn't know what happened at the start and I just gave him a tap on the head to say, 'you're right mate, jump up', and he just carried on.

"I didn't think there was much in it. As you see in games every week, you just see a pat on the head 'get up,' 'move on' or whatever. It was friendly but it just must have come across the wrong way with him."

It is understood Sydney FC are growing increasingly frustrated with Melbourne City's on-field conduct. Sky Blues coach Graham Arnold was hesitant to publicly comment on the incident, but sympathised with officials as simulation becomes an increasing issue in the A-League.

"I'd rather talk about our performance and we were fantastic tonight," Arnold said. "I can only concentrate on our team, but there was an incident last week with Jade North and more today, and it's had nothing to do with us.

"I think it's your job [journalists] to question that, not mine. It's frustrating. I feel sorry for the ref. The referee's got a real tough job. You've got to have eyes on the back of your head, in the side of your head, because everything's happening. It's part of the world game, I suppose."

The timing of the incident was unfortunate for Melbourne City who last week were incensed when Brisbane Roar defender Jade North appeared to take a dive at AAMI Park. Less than a week later, van 't Schip was forced to attempt to justify Brandan's actions.

Van 't Schip said Grant should have been penalised for making contact with Brandan's head while not defending his player's response.

City were critical of another challenge from Sydney FC's Bobo as well as a penalty decision awarded to the striker after a slight shirt tug from defender Michael Jakobsen pulled him to the ground.

"If you look back, there was no contact, for me it was no penalty," van 't Schip said.

While Sydney FC might still consider Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory their two biggest rivals, the spite and malice in recent matches between the Sky Blues and City suggests that could be changing.

Grant confirmed it is a fixture the players need no additional motivation for as each clash between the two clubs tends to get more heated than the last.

"They get a lot of media and a lot of press obviously with the big players they have and obviously before the game it creates a big sort of hype," he said. "Going in to the game there's always that extra spice in it. But, for me, definitely they're a team up there that you look forward to playing, especially when it gets a bit fiery, I love that sort of stuff."