Griffiths outed for three matches

Sydney FC’s Joel Griffiths has received a three-match ban for insulting a referee in his side’s game against Melbourne Victory last month.

The news comes as a huge blow for the Sky Blues who will now be without their star striker for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle as well as upcoming matches against Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United.

A Football Federation Australia (FFA) panel consisting of Simon Micallef, Alan Davidson and Con Diomis found that Griffiths had committed an offence of ‘use of offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures against a match official’.

Despite the fact that there was an admission of guilt from Griffiths, the panel decided that the incident warranted a three-game suspension.

Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata was disappointed with the severity of the ban handed down, but said the club will consider all of their options ahead of Monday’s deadline for an appeal.

“Sydney FC is disappointed with what happened late in the game last weekend against Melbourne Victory that has led to Joel Griffiths receiving a three-match suspension,” Pignata said.

“Sydney FC prides itself on setting standards in community behaviour and we expect our players to uphold those standards and set a good example.

“Joel has shown remorse for what happened and Sydney FC will consider its options in relation to appealing the severity of the suspension.”