Baird, Perez banned

The Hyundai A-League has come down hard on Central Coast Mariners midfielder Patricio Perez and Perth Glory striker Michael Baird, with the pair both given two-match bans for diving.

The Hyundai A-League has come down hard on Central Coast Mariners midfielder Patricio Perez and Perth Glory striker Michael Baird, with the pair both given two-match bans for diving.

Both Perez and Baird were banned under the league’s simulation rules after winning dubious penalties which earned their sides draws over the weekend.

Argentinian Perez won and converted a controversial spot-kick which handed the Mariners an equaliser against Sydney FC, as well as seeing Sky Blues goalkeeper Liam Reddy sent off.

The competition’s match review panel has expunged Reddy’s red-card, meaning he will be free to play in Sydney FC’s clash with Adelaide United this weekend.

Baird’s dive won the Glory a 2-2 draw with Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Sunday.