Central Coast Mariners assistant coach Danny Schofield will miss the club’s opening game of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season following the outcome of disciplinary proceedings against him.
Schofield was sent off by referee Alireza Faghani during the second leg of the Mariners’ Semi-Final clash with Sydney FC after receiving two bookings in quick succession on the touchline.
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The former Huddersfield Town player and coach was subsequently suspended for the Grand Final as the club went on to defeat Melbourne Victory 3-1 at Industree Group Stadium, sealing an unprecedented treble during the 2023-24 campaign.
However the latest sanctions imposed upon Schofield relate to an incident that occurred after he was was dismissed from the touchline
“Football Australia has determined that Central Coast Mariners FC (Mariner’s) Isuzu UTE A-League Men Assistant Coach, Danny Schofield (Schofield), breached the Football Australia Code of Conduct & Ethics (Code) relating to conduct during the Mariner’s 2023/24 Isuzu UTE A-League Men Semi Final Match against Sydney FC on 18 May 2024 (Match),” a Football Australia statement said.
“In or around the 48th minute of the Match, Scofield was expelled from the field of play after receiving a second yellow card in the same match. When leaving the field of play, Schofield clearly showed an offensive gesture towards the Sydney FC substitution bench, which was subsequently shown on live TV broadcast and various social media platforms.
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“In accordance with the Code, Football Australia issued Schofield with a show cause notice providing him with an opportunity to provide submissions in relation to the issues of infringement and sanction under the Code.
“After reviewing all of the available evidence including a submission and apology provided by Schofield, Football Australia has determined that Schofield breached the Code by virtue of his conduct. As a result, Football Australia has imposed a two (2) match suspension, one (1) which must be served in the Mariner’s next Isuzu UTE A-League Men match in the 2024/25 season, and one (1) Isuzu UTE A-League Men match which is suspended for the duration of the 2024/25 season (which will be triggered if Schofield is found to have breached the Code during the 2024/25 Season (including the Finals Series).
“Football Australia has today provided Schofield with its written determination. In accordance with clause 6.3 of the Code, Schofield has until 5pm (AEST) on 24 June 2024 to elect to appeal such determination.”
Mariners head coach Mark Jackson will now be without his assistant for the opening round of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season while Schofield will then be automatically suspended for a further game should he breach Football Australia’s Code of Conduct and Ethics in the future.
