The independent Match Review Panel (MRP) – consisting of Simon Micallef (Chair), Alan Davidson and Con Diomis – convened to consider the following incidents arising from Round 1 of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Season.
1. An incident involving Thomas Sorensen (Melbourne City FC) that arose in or around the 58th minute of Melbourne City’s Hyundai A-League Round 1 Match against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, 8 October 2016. The MRP has the authority to consider the incident as Thomas Sorensen was issued with a direct red card. The MRP confirmed that Thomas Sorensen will serve a suspension of one (1) match, being the minimum sanction for the offence of denying the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball.
2. An incident involving Aritz Borda (Western Sydney Wanderers FC) that arose in or around the 84th minute of Western Sydney Wanderers’ Hyundai A-League Round 1 Match against Sydney FC on Saturday, 8 October 2016. The MRP has the authority to consider the incident as Aritz Borda was issued with a direct red card. The MRP confirmed that Aritz Borda will serve a suspension of one (1) match, being the minimum sanction for the offence of denying the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by an offence that is punishable by a free kick or penalty kick.