A-League avoids total embarrassment after broadcast partner goes belly up
UPDATED: The A-Leagues' organisers are reeling again with their broadcast partner going into administration. Former broadcasters NEP stepped in to bail out the A-Leagues…
Melbourne Victory skipper Mark Milligan faces a ban at a crucial point in his season after being cited by the A-League match review panel.
Milligan caught opponent Terry Antonis with a flying elbow at the 23rd minute mark of Victory’s 3-3 draw with Sydney FC on Saturday night.
While referee Peter Green was within five metres of the midfield clash, play was allowed to continue, suggesting the official did not see the incident.
Antonis, who like Milligan is in the Socceroos’ provisional Asian Cup squad, fell to the ground clutching his head, with blood streaming from a cut above his eye.
Coach Graham Arnold said the 21-year-old required 10 stitches from the incident, and played the rest of the match with blurry vision.
Milligan has until 1200 (AEDT) on Tuesday to lodge a response, with the match review panel due to consider the clash later that afternoon.
The midfielder faces the prospect of missing Victory’s remaining games before the A-League breaks for the Asian Cup in early January.
Victory play cross-town rivals Melbourne City on December 20, before a home game with Newcastle Jets on the 27th.
After that, Milligan will enter the Socceroos camp in preparation for the Asian Cup – meaning any ban longer than two games could continue into February.
Victory will support Milligan in their submission, with coach Kevin Muscat suggesting after the game his player had eyes only for the ball.
“From where I was, they’re running towards each other, Milligan’s obviously got his eyes are on the ball because he’s ended up heading it,” he said.
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