Phoenix appeal three-game ban after debutant’s record red card

Wellington Phoenix are set to fight a three-game ban handed to creative midfielder Yan Sasse after the Brazilian’s record-setting dismissal on his Isuzu UTE A-League debut.

Sasse was sent off after just 25 minutes at Sky Stadium on Sunday afternoon for a reckless challenge on Adelaide United’s Javi Lopez. Sasse’s left leg was raised as he went in to win the ball, and whilst attempting to plant his right foot lost he connection with the turf, sending his left boot even higher up Lopez’s body before catching the Spaniard’s lower leg with both feet.

His 25th-minute red card was the quickest dismissal of any debutant in Australian national league history.



Phoenix boss Ufuk Talay described referee Ben Abraham as “trigger-happy” in the aftermath of the game, in which the 10-men of Wellington went 1-0 up before settling for a 1-1 draw with the Reds.

But on Tuesday morning Football Australia upheld Abraham’s decision, with the independent Match Review Panel (MRP) deeming the offence “serious foul play” and proposing a sanction of three matches.

FA gave Sasse until 2.00pm AEDT on Tuesday, October 11 to appeal the three-match sanction. The ‘Nix took no time in confirming their intention to do so.

“The minimum sanction for the offence is one match, but the panel has proposed a three-game suspension,” said Wellington in a club statement.

“Under the competition’s disciplinary regulations, the club can refer the matter to the independent disciplinary and ethics committee.

“The Phoenix are appealing the additional two match sanction.”