Wellington Phoenix midfielder Manny Muscat has been suspended for three matches.
The suspension follows an incident in the Phoenix 2-1 loss to Brisbane Roar on New Year-s Day.
Announcing the suspension today the FFA released the following statement:
The independent Match Review Panel (MRP) – consisting of Simon Micallef (Chair), Alan Davidson and Alan Contini – convened to consider the following incident from Round 14 of the Hyundai A-League:
1. The incident involving Emmanuel Muscat (Wellington Phoenix FC) in or around the 74th minute of Wellington Phoenix FC-s game against Brisbane Roar FC on Tuesday evening. The MRP has the authority to consider the incident pursuant to clause 9.1(c)(i) of the Regulations. In reviewing the incident during this afternoon-s meeting, the MRP took into consideration submissions lodged by Wellington Phoenix. The MRP determined that the Player had committed the offence of “Assault on a Player (e.g. violent conduct when not challenging for the ball)” against Nicholas Fitzgerald and proposed a sanction of three (3) matches, being the one (1) Mandatory Match Suspension plus an additional sanction of two (2) matches. Under the A-League Disciplinary Regulations the Player or the Club may refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee for hearing and Determination of the sole question of what additional sanction should be imposed (above the Mandatory Match Suspension which must be served), applying the Range at the Table of Offences.
The Wellington Phoenix has accepted the suspension and will not appeal the decision.
