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No appeal over Muscat ban

WELLINGTON Phoenix FC will not appeal the three-match suspension imposed on defender Manny Muscat following an incident in the Phoenix’s match against Brisbane Roar at the weekend.

WELLINGTON Phoenix FC will not appeal the three-match suspension imposed on defender Manny Muscat following an incident in the Phoenix-s match against Brisbane Roar at the weekend.

Muscat was sent off in the 57th minute in the match at Suncorp Stadium and was subsequently charged with “Assault on a Player” (violent conduct when not challenging for the ball).

On reviewing footage of the incident, Football Federation Australia-s independent Match Review Panel deemed a three-match ban to be a suitable sanction, meaning Muscat will not be eligible for selection till the Phoenix-s round 20 match against the Central Coast Mariners on December 31.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said club officials had closely examined the footage of the incident and, despite being initially concerned about the length of the ban, had accepted the MRP-s decision and would not be lodging an appeal.

Meanwhile, the club has been asked by FFA to explain the actions of some players following Muscat-s dismissal. The Phoenix have been charged with Team Misconduct after players allegedly showed dissent toward a match official.

The Phoenix have till 7pm (NZDST) on Wednesday to respond to the charge.