7 Jan 2019

Phoenix' Mandi cops three-match ban

7:48 am on 7 January 2019

The Wellington Phoenix football Mandi has been hit with a three-week suspension following his reckless challenge on Adelaide's Vince Lia.

The Phoenix' midfielder Mandi.

The Phoenix' midfielder Mandi. Photo: © www.Photosport.nz 2018

The Spanish midfielder received a straight red card against the Reds for kicking Lia while he was on the ground contesting for the ball during Saturday's goalless A-League draw in South Australia.

The independent match review panel determined that the 68th minute incident constituted the offence of an "assault on a player (violent conduct when not challenging for the ball) or against any other person other than a match official, including an attempted assault".

The MRP determined Mandi would receive the minimum of two matches for the offence, plus an additional match.

Mandi has until 4pm Monday to advise whether he will appeal the suspension.

-AAP