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Victory likely to appeal Foschini ban

Roar Guru
6th November, 2011
17

Melbourne Victory are strongly considering appealing the controversial red card handed to defender Matthew Foschini, as they face a player drain for Saturday night’s clash with Central Coast.

Foschini was the second Victory player ejected, both before halftime, during Saturday night’s 2-2 draw with Brisbane Roar.

Victory coaching staff and players were fuming at the decision and their anger had not subsided by Sunday, with assistant coach Kevin Muscat saying their stance was widely supported.

“The Matt Foschini decision baffled everyone and I’ve not seen one message or spoken to anyone who said it was a deserved red card,” Muscat told Fox Sports on Sunday.

The former Victory skipper indicated he will push for an appeal when club officials meet on Monday.

“I still feel it wasn’t the right decision, so we’ll give our opinion to the football club and see what decision we make come Monday morning,” Muscat said.

“But I’m optimistic that we will take some grounds. Whether that be an appeal we’ll have to wait and see.”

The Victory have until midday (AEDT) Monday to lodge an application to have the decision overturned.

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Foschini was penalised for a late tackle on Brisbane’s Thomas Broich, which Melbourne coach Mehmet Durakovic was adamant warranted a yellow card at most.

An independent panel would have to determine that referee Ben Williams made an “obvious error” to revoke the decision and save Foschini from a mandatory one-match ban.

Otherwise, the Victory will be forced to make at least four changes against the Mariners.

Attacking stars Harry Kewell and Costa Rican Carlos Hernandez will both be absent due to international commitments, while goalkeeper Ante Covic is facing suspension, as the other player shown a red card.

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