Outcome of independent MRP – Round 14

The independent Match Review Panel (MRP) – consisting of Simon Micallef (Chair), Alan Davidson, and Con Diomis – convened on Monday to consider the following incidents from Round 14 of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season.

1.     An incident involving Roy Krishna of Wellington Phoenix (Krishna) which arose in or around the 62nd minute of Wellington Phoenix’s match against Perth Glory on Thursday, 5 January 2017. The MRP has the authority to consider the incident as Krishna was expelled from the match by the Referee.

The MRP determined that Krishna committed the offence of “Serious foul play (e.g. when challenging for the ball)”.

The MRP has proposed a sanction of one match (the Mandatory Match Suspension), being the Minimum Sanction for the offence.

Wellington's Roy Krishna bursts onto the ball during the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle Jets.

2.     An incident involving Aritz Borda of Western Sydney Wanders FC (Borda) which arose in or around the 30th minute of Western Sydney Wanderers FC’s match against Melbourne City FC on Friday, 6 January 2017. The MRP has the authority to consider the incident as Borda was expelled from the match by the Referee.

The MRP determined that Borda committed the offence of “Assault on a player (e.g. violent conduct when not challenging for the ball) including an attempted Assault on a Player”.

The Minimum Sanction for the offence is two (2) matches (being the Mandatory Match Suspension plus one (1) additional match).The MRP has proposed a sanction of three (3) matches, being the Mandatory Match Suspension plus an additional two (2) Matches.

Under the Hyundai A-League Disciplinary Regulations (the Regulations), Borda may refer the matter to the independent Disciplinary and Ethics Committee for hearing and determination of the sole question of either:

(a)   what additional sanction should be imposed above the Minimum Sanction (inclusive of the Mandatory Match Suspension which must be served), applying the Range at the Table of Offences; or

(b)   whether Exceptional Circumstances apply and therefore a sanction outside the Range at the Table of Offences should be imposed, provided always that the Mandatory Match Suspension must be served.

Borda has until 12:00pm (AEDT) Tuesday, 10 January to advise whether he wishes to appeal the three (3) match sanction proposed by the MRP.