The Football Federation Australia (FFA) Independent Disciplinary & Ethics Committee comprising John Marshall SC (Chair), Anthony Lo Surdo SC, and Shaun McCarthy (the Committee) convened to consider an appeal by Newcastle Jets’ Coach Ernie Merrick (Merrick) after he was fined $3,000 for being found by FFA to have breached FFA’s National Code of Conduct.
This sanction was imposed following statements Merrick made in the post-match media conference after the Hyundai A-League Round 16 match between Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory on 27 January 2019.
The Committee was required to determine whether there had been a breach of the Code of Conduct and, if so, what sanction should be imposed.
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The Committee determined that there had been a breach of clause 5.1(a) and clause 6.1(a) of the Code of Conduct. Merrick was issued with a suspended sanction of one (1) match, which will be triggered in the event that Merrick is found to have committed a further breach of clause 5.1(a) of the Code of Conduct prior to the conclusion of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season, including Finals Series.
Merrick has the right to appeal the determination of the Committee. If Merrick intends to do so, he must advise FFA within seven (7) days of receiving the written determination.
