Football: Phoenix lose captain Alex Rufer to suspension for heavyweight clash with Mariners

Wellington Phoenix captain Alex Rufer has been handed a one-game suspension for his red card offence in Sunday's 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar.

Rufer was sent off late after initially being yellow carded for standing on the leg of Roar midfielder Henry Hore in the 78th minute of the match at Sky Stadium.  

But the video assistant referee intervened, resulting in the referee upgrading his decision to a red card.

The punishment means Rufer won't feature in the Phoenix's top-of-the-table clash against Central Coast Mariners in Gosford. 
 
Football Australia's independent match review panel (MRP) agreed with the sending off but downgraded the offence from "violent conduct" to "serious foul play", as they determined the Phoenix captain was playing the ball. 
 
Rufer will next be available for the Phoenix's round 24 match against Melbourne Victory on April 12.

Wellington Phoenix captain Alex Rufer has been handed a one-game suspension for his red card offence in Sunday's 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar.

Rufer was sent off late after initially being yellow carded for standing on the leg of Roar midfielder Henry Hore in the 78th minute of the match at Sky Stadium.  

But the video assistant referee intervened, resulting in the referee upgrading his decision to a red card.

The punishment means Rufer won't feature in the Phoenix's top-of-the-table clash against Central Coast Mariners in Gosford. 
 
Football Australia's independent match review panel (MRP) agreed with the sending off but downgraded the offence from "violent conduct" to "serious foul play", as they determined the Phoenix captain was playing the ball. 
 
Rufer will next be available for the Phoenix's round 24 match against Melbourne Victory on April 12.

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