Elrich gets one-match ban

Wellington Phoenix midfielder Ahmad Elrich has received a mandatory one-match ban arising from an incident in last weekend’s Hyundai A-League 2007/08 match against the Queensland Roar in Brisbane.

Elrich received a red card after an incident in the 34th minute at Suncorp Stadium in which it appeared he elbowed Roar midfielder Hyuk-Su Seo. He was charged with a serious foul play offence.

Football Federation Australia imposed a one-match ban on Elrich, meaning he will miss Saturday night’s match against Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium. The suspension represents the mandatory one-match suspension for receiving a red card.

Wellington Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said the club was pleased with the result, which means Elrich will be available for selection when the Phoenix play the Melbourne Victory in Melbourne on November 24.

“It’s clear that the FFA deemed the red card and subsequent one-match mandatory ban as sufficient punishment.”