Central Coast captain Matt Simon escapes with two-match ban for calling referee a ‘f***ing dog’

In a decision that could anger the A-league coaching fraternity, Football Federation Australia determined a two-match ban was sufficient punishment for Matt Simon’s swear-laden verbal spray.

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 22: Matt Simon of the Central Coast Mariners is restrained by team mate Jordan Murray after getting sent off during the Round 20 A-League Match between the Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar FC at Central Coast Stadium on February 22, 2019 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)

• Fornaroli’s ugly exit at heart of City’s problems
• WATCH: Injury time worldie breaks City hearts

Central Coast captain Matt Simon will be back on the field in a couple of rounds after escaping serious sanction for calling a referee a ‘f***ing dog’.

In a decision that could anger the A-league coaching fraternity, Football Federation Australia determined a two-match ban was sufficient punishment for screaming and swearing repeatedly at Stephen Lucas after being sent off late in last month’s 5-3 home loss to Brisbane Roar.

A week later after being cited Simon, infamous for being fiery on the field, publicly apologised for the brain snap and said he had also apologised in writing to Lucas and accepted club-imposed sanctions for his behaviour.

Referee Stephen Lucas shows Matt Simon a red card and sends him off. Picture: Getty

A-League boss Greg O’Rourke said the 33-year-old’s “public statement of contrition” had been taken into consideration when delivering the sanction for the abuse, which he said was serious enough to warrant match sanctions instead of a fine.

“We agree with Matt that this sort of behaviour falls below the standards he set for himself and that, as captain, he set for his team-mates,” O’Rourke said.

As a result, he received a one-game ban for breaching the code of conduct plus an additional suspended one-match sanction, which will hang over his head until the end of the season.

As Simon already copped a one-match ban for his indirect red card, he’ll be out for two games in total, taking in this weekend’s match against Wellington and the F3 derby the following weekend.

Matt Simon has escaped with a two-match ban. Picture: Getty

Due to the split round, he won’t make his return until the Mariners host Adelaide United on March 31.

In his apology last Friday, Simon pleaded guilty and reflected that his “outburst” had fallen below his own standards.

“Stephen deserves respect for his profession. Like players, referees aspire to reach the top of their craft and deserve support,” Simon said.

“I undermined this commitment last Friday night ... I know I often run very close to the line, I like to think that I don’t cross it too often, having only received one red card across 12 years and almost 250 A-League matches.

“On Friday night however, I let the Mariners community down by crossing that line.”

The Mariners declined to comment but confirmed they would not appeal the punishment.

Attempts were made to contact the Professional Football Referees Association.

Originally published as Central Coast captain Matt Simon escapes with two-match ban for calling referee a ‘f***ing dog’