The MRP issued a two-match suspension for Newcastle Jets striker Joel Griffiths following a red card in Saturday’s draw.
The independent Match Review Panel (MRP) issued a two-match suspension for Newcastle Jets striker Joel Griffiths following a red card in Saturday’s draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers at Hunter Stadium.
The MRP issued this statement on Monday afternoon:
The incident involving Joel Griffiths (Newcastle Jets FC) in or around the 94th minute (after the full time whistle) of Newcastle Jets FC-s match against Western Sydney Wanderers FC on Saturday evening. The MRP has the authority to consider the incident as the Player was issued with a direct red card. The MRP proposed a sanction of the Mandatory Match Suspension plus one (1) additional match for the “Use of offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures against a match official”. Under the A-League Disciplinary Regulations, the Player or the Club may refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee for hearing and Determination of the sole question of what additional sanction should be imposed (above the Mandatory Match Suspension which must be served). The Player or the Club has until 12pm Tuesday, 4 February 2014 to advise whether they wish to appeal the additional match suspension.
Should the Club decide to appeal the suspension, the FFA has advised it is highly likely the penalty will be increased.
The Club will seek legal advice and consider their options before making a decision prior to midday on Tuesday.
