Sydney FC defender Rhyan Grant has been fined by the club following an incident during the 75th minute of the Sky Blues’ Hyundai A-League clash with Wellington Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.
Grant was called upon by Head Coach Graham Arnold to replace Bernie Ibini as a substitute but was unable to do so for three minutes having left his playing shirt in the away changing rooms at Westpac Stadium.
Sky Blues’ Head Of Strength and Conditioning Andrew Clark was forced to return to the dressing rooms to retrieve the jersey and bring it to the sideline to allow Grant to enter the field.
“We have a very high standard at Sydney FC and are treating this matter extremely seriously,” said Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata.
“We are fining Rhyan $15,000 for the offence, but as he is a fan favourite we are willing to help him pay it by donating one dollar from the sale of every ticket to this Saturday’s final home game of the season.
“If it wasn’t for Andrew Clark’s level of fitness the wait for Rhyan’s jersey could have been much longer.”
Head Coach Graham Arnold echoed the Sky Blues’ CEO’s comments.
“The fact we were leading 3-0 is of no consequence as those seconds could have been vital,” he said.
“I see this level of fine as a deterrent against other players committing any future conduct of this nature.”
The Sky Blues defender has accepted the punishment and is now focused on this Saturday night’s crucial game against Adelaide United.
“I just hope the fans come out and buy tickets to help me pay it off,” he said. “If being in the middle of a Premiers Plate battle or the fact it’s our final home game of the regular season wasn’t enough, then hopefully they’ll just come out to help me feed my cat, Barry.”
Sydney FC will be making no further comment on this matter.
Sydney FC’s next home game is against Adelaide United on Saturday 4th April at Allianz Stadium (kick off 7.30pm). Purchase tickets today or become a Member and ensure you don’t miss a moment of Hyundai A-League action by heading to www.ticketek.com.au/sydneyfc
