Alex Rufer has received a one-match ban after being shown a red card for violent conduct in Wellington Phoenix's Matchweek 3 clash against Macarthur FC.
Markel Susaeta netted an equaliser for the Bulls, five minutes after Rufer's 62nd-minute dismissal, to cancel out David Ball's first-half opener for the Kiwi club in the 1-1 draw at Campbelltown Stadium.
Rufer will miss Wellington's Matchweek 5 encounter with the Newcastle Jets at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Sunday, 24 January.
The independent Match Review Panel released the following statement:
“The independent Match Review Panel (MRP) – consisting of Simon Micallef (Chair), Alan Davidson, & Adam D’Apuzzo – convened on Monday, 11 January 2021 to consider an incident involving Alex Rufer (Rufer) in or around the 62nd minute of Wellington Phoenix’s A-League 2020/21 Match Week 3 fixture against Macarthur FC on Saturday, 9 January 2021.
“The MRP has the authority to consider the incident as Rufer was issued with a direct Red Card by the Referee.
“In assessing the incident, the MRP noted that the Referee found Rufer to be guilty of an “R2 – violent conduct” sending-off offence as specified at Law 12 of the Laws of the Game. The MRP has the authority in applying the A-League Disciplinary Regulations (Regulations) to classify offences in accordance with the Table of Offences, which are specified in the Regulations. In relation to Rufer, the MRP utilised its authority under the Regulations to classify the incident as “serious unsporting conduct” in accordance with the Table of Offences.
“The MRP determined that Rufer had committed the offence of “serious unsporting conduct” and confirmed that Rufer will serve a suspension of one (1) match, being the Minimum Sanction for the offence.”
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