Sydney FC defender Tiago Calvano has been hit with an eight-game A-League ban for making contact with a referee.
The Brazilian was charged with "unsporting conduct towards a match official'' over an incident involving referee Peter Green in the Sky Blues' round-five win over Melbourne Victory.
On Thursday, the Football Federation Australia Disciplinary Committee headed by chairman John Marshall finally announced their decision, meaning Calvano will be unavailable until late January.
If the off-contract Calvano receives a direct red card for any other offence during the current 2013/14 A-League season he will receive a further ban of four matches.
Calvano's extended absence is likely to give former Brisbane Roar defender Matt Jurman the chance to establish himself in Sydney's line-up.
