Melbourne striker Archie Thompson has been suspended for the next two Hyundai A-League matches after the match review panel found him guilty of using offensive language towards referee Matthew Breeze.
Thompson was given a red card for the incident which reduced the Victory to 10 men during their shock 1-0 loss to Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Saturday night.
The verdict means that Thompson will miss back-to-back crunch games against fellow top three teams Sydney FC and Adelaide United.
Melbourne is still weighing up whether or not to refer the finding to the independent disciplinary committee.
Meanwhile, Iain Fyfe will also be missing from the blockbuster clash between Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday night at Telstra Dome after he too was handed a two-match ban by the match review panel.
The FC defender was found guilty of making contact with the back of Perth midfielder Adrian Trinidad’s head during Sydney’s stunning 2-1 loss to the Glory.
Fyfe will also sit out the local derby with the Mariners in Round 10.
Football Federation Australia also confirmed it has sent a ‘please explain’ to Queensland coach Frank Farina for his post-match outburst following his team’s controversial 1-0 loss to Adelaide United on Friday night.
FFA is still reviewing comments made by Sydney FC coach John Kosmina following his side’s loss to the Glory on Sunday.
