Melbourne Victory midfielder Zinédine Machach suspended for two matches following an “assault” during derby victory, meaning he will miss BOTH semi-finals against Wellington Phoenix.
In a major blow, Melbourne Victory will be without key midfielder Zinedine Machach for both A-League semi-finals against Wellington Phoenix – after the Frenchman was suspended for two matches following a straight red card for violent conduct .
Machach was sent off the field in the 38th minute of Victory’s penalty shootout win over bitter rivals Melbourne City on Sunday at AAMI Park.
He was reportedly accused of attacking City winger Leo Natel.
When it came to X, many frustrated football fans felt the expulsion was soft – with Natel handling the “assault” on the ground.
However, A-League officials – particularly referee Alex King – disagreed.
Melbourne Victory will be without key midfielder Zinédine Machach for both semi-finals against Wellington Phoenix
The Frenchman (right) was handed a two-match ban following a straight red card for violent conduct against Melbourne City.
The A-League Match Review Committee said on Monday that Machach’s offense was “an assault against a player (e.g. violent conduct without contesting the ball) or against any other person other than an official of the match, including an attempted assault,” a statement said. read.
Machach’s two-match suspension rules him out of both semi-final matches against Wellington.
Meanwhile, Victory teammate Paul Izzo – the hero of the semi-final in the penalty shootout – heaped praise on the club’s passionate supporters.
“I couldn’t even hear myself screaming, the noise was so loud,” the goalkeeper said after the match.
“They have been immense for us all season. It’s a credit to them and we are so lucky to have them.
Elsewhere, Premier’s Plate winners Central Coast Mariners, fresh from their AFC Cup triumph, face Sydney FC in the other two-legged semi-final which begins on May 10.
The winners of the two home and away matches will face each other in the grand final on May 25.
The location remains to be determined.
