The independent Match Review Panel (MRP) – consisting of Simon Micallef (Chair), Con Diomis and Adam D’Apuzzo – convened on Monday, 3 December 2018 to consider the below incidents arising in matches in Round 6 of the Hyundai A-League.
Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory
The MRP considered an incident involving Ryan Lowry of Wellington Phoenix in or around the 75th minute of Wellington Phoenix’s Round 6 match against Perth Glory on Sunday, 2 December 2018.
The MRP has the authority to consider the incident in accordance with the Hyundai A-League Disciplinary Regulations (the Regulations) as Lowry was issued with a direct Red Card by the Referee.
Further, Wellington Phoenix submitted an Obvious Error (Red Card) Application (Application) challenging the issue of the Red Card.
- The Application
The MRP first considered the Application. As Lowry was issued with a direct Red Card, for the Application to be successful, the MRP would need to unanimously find that no card was warranted in the circumstances.
The MRP considered the broadcast footage, match official reports and the submissions on behalf of Lowry. After due consideration, the MRP held that it could not reach a finding that no card was warranted in the circumstances and therefore the Application was dismissed.
- Red Card Offence
Having dismissed the Application, the MRP determined that Lowry committed the offence of “Serious foul play (e.g. when challenging for the ball).”
The MRP confirmed that Lowry will serve a suspension of one (1) match, being the minimum sanction for the offence.
