MRP hands down verdict on Berisha ban

The Match Review Panel (MRP) has handed down its verdict on the ban for Melbourne Victory’s Besart Berisha after his red card against Wellington Phoenix on the weekend.

The independent Match Review Panel (MRP) – consisting of Simon Micallef (Chair), Alan Davidson and Alan Contini – convened today to consider the following incidents from Round 26 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season:

1. An incident involving Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory) which arose in or around the 36th minute of Melbourne Victory’s match against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, 2 April 2016.

The MRP has the authority to consider the incident as Besart Berisha was issued with a direct red card. The MRP determined that Besart Berisha committed the offence of Assault on a Player (e.g. violent conduct when not challenging for the ball) against Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix).

The MRP has proposed a sanction of two (2) matches (comprising the Mandatory Match Suspension plus one (1) additional match, being the minimum sanction for the offence).

Under the Regulations, the Player may refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee for hearing and determination of the sole question of sanction.

The Player has until 5pm (AEDT) Tuesday 5 April 2016 to advise whether he wishes to do so.

Jets captain Nigel Boogaard.

2. An incident involving Nigel Boogaard (Newcastle Jets) which arose in or around the 66th minute of Newcastle Jets’ match against Brisbane Roar on Sunday 3 April 2016.

The MRP has the authority to consider the incident as Nigel Boogaard was issued with a direct red card.

The MRP confirmed that Nigel Boogaard will serve a suspension of one (1) match, being the minimum sanction for the offence of denying the opposing team an obvious goal scoring opportunity.