A-League: Mariners skipper Matt Simon banned for abusing referee

Mariners captain Matt Simon has escaped with a relatively light ban despite calling the referee a “f..king dog” after being sent off.

Referee Steven Lucas shows Matt Simon a red card during an A-League game last month. Picture: Getty

Central Coast Mariners captain Matt Simon has escaped with a two-match suspension despite being caught calling the referee a “f..king dog” after being sent off in a game against Brisbane Roar late last month.

But the veteran striker has been handed an additional two-game sanction, which is suspended until the end of the season. He was also warned he could face even sterner action if he transgresses again.

Football Federation Australia said it took into account Simon’s “public statement of contrition” and his letter of apology to referee Steven Lucas.

Simon, who is renowned for the fierce way he plays the game, was booked in the first half after screaming in the face of Lucas when the referee failed to award him a foul after a collision with a Roar player.

Matt Simon is restrained by teammate Jordan Murray. Picture: Getty

Then late in the match, he was given a second yellow card which saw him sent off. After walking away, an angry Simon walked back and confronted Lucas while being held back by a teammate. He was subsequently overheard verbally abusing Lucas.

Simon is automatically suspended for being sent off and was handed an extra week because of a breach of the Code of Conduct. It means He will now miss the Mariners next two games against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday and the M1 Derby against Newcastle Jets on March 16.

FFA head of Leagues Greg O’Rourke said the abuse of match officials will not be tolerated and that it will be subject to match suspensions rather than fines.

“FFA acknowledges Matt Simon’s public statement of contrition and also his letter of apology to the referee,” O’Rourke said.

“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 teammates.”

Simon has seven days to appeal but is unlikely to do so.