The independent Match Review Panel (MRP) have handed down their punishment for Melbourne City defender Harrison Delbridge.
The MRP – consisting of Simon Micallef (Chair), Con Diomis and Adam D’Apuzzo – convened on Monday, 3 February 2020 to consider an incident involving Harrison Delbridge (Delbridge) of Melbourne City FC in or around the 76th minute of Melbourne City FC’s Hyundai A-League Round 17 Match against Adelaide United on Saturday, 1 February 2020.
In accordance with the Hyundai A-League Disciplinary Regulations (the Regulations), the MRP has the authority to consider the incident as Delbridge was issued with a direct Red Card by the Referee.
The MRP determined that Delbridge committed the offence of “Serious foul play (e.g. when challenging for the ball).”
The minimum sanction for the offence is one (1) match, being the Mandatory Match Suspension. The MRP proposed a sanction of two (2) matches, being the minimum sanction for the offence plus one (1) additional match.
MORE: Cameron Devlin named January Nominee for Young Footballer of the Year
MORE: How to watch Hyundai A-League Round 18
Under the Regulations, Delbridge may refer the matter to the independent Disciplinary and Ethics Committee for hearing and determination of the sole question of either:
- what additional sanction should be imposed above the minimum sanction (inclusive of the Mandatory Match Suspension which must always be served), applying the Range at the Table of Offences; or
- whether Exceptional Circumstances apply and therefore a sanction outside the Range at the Table of Offences should be imposed, provided always that the Mandatory Match Suspension must be served.
Delbridge has until 2:00pm (AEDT) on Tuesday, 4 February 2020 to advise whether he wishes to appeal the two (2) match sanction proposed by the MRP.
