Phoenix to appeal Herbert ban

WELLINGTON Phoenix FC has confirmed it will appeal the three-match suspension imposed on head coach Ricki Herbert as the result of an alleged incident in latter stages of the Phoenix’s match against Adelaide United in Christchurch on December 5.

Herbert was ejected by referee Peter O’Leary in or around the 92nd minute of the match. The independent Match Review Panel imposed the three-match suspension on December 6 after deeming that Herbert had committed an offence, namely “Use of offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures against a match official”.

The appeal will now be heard by Football Federation Australia’s Disciplinary Committee.

The club will make no further comment on the matter during this process.