Phoenix appeal duration of Herbert ban

WELLINGTON Phoenix FC’s appeal regarding the three-ban suspension imposed on coach Ricki Herbert as a result of a disputed incident in the latter stages of the Phoenix’s 2-1 win against Adelaide in Christchurch at the weekend will be heard in Sydney tonight (7.45pm NZDT).

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”.

A subsequent appeal alleging an “obvious error” by the referee was dismissed by Football Federation Australia’s Disciplinary Committee last night, meaning the three-match suspension remains in force. However, as the suspension is longer than the one match minimum ban for such an offence, the Phoenix have grounds to contest the length of the suspension imposed.