Sydney FC’s forward Robert Mak will miss the Sydney Derby this weekend after the Match Review Panel (MRP) ruled he should be suspended for one game, following his red card against Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
Mak was sent off after attempting to shrug off the attentions of Jets defender Phillip Cancar who had invaded his personal space and instigated a situation to slow the game, in order for another Jets player to change boots.
Referee Jack Morgan, with the help of fourth official Sam Kelly, decided Mak’s attempts to brush off the centre half constituted ‘violent conduct’.
The Sky Blues lodged an obvious error application to the MRP suggesting the charge against the Slovakian international should be wiped as the force used was ‘negligible’ and he was provoked.
The MRP rejected the obvious error application however they did reclassify the charge from ‘violent conduct’ to ‘serious unsporting conduct’ meaning he will only serve a one match suspension rather than two.
“It’s extremely disappointing for Robbie and for the club that he will miss the Sydney Derby which is a huge game for everyone,” said Head Coach Ufuk Talay.
“I’m pleased we backed Robbie and tried to appeal the decision.
“It’s disappointing we haven’t been able to overturn it; it feels like we’ve been punished twice but we will move forward and focus on this weekend now.”
Mak will be available for the Sky Blues next game away to Macarthur FC on Saturday 20th April.
