Phoenix handed misconduct notice

Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory have been issued with a notices alleging team misconduct after their players were involved in a melee during their A-League soccer match in Perth last Friday night.

Tempers boiled over in the 60th minute of a spiteful match after Phoenix defender Manny Muscat appeared to be given his second yellow card but was not sent off.

It was later established referee Ryan Shepheard had rescinded his earlier yellow card.

A total of six yellow cards were dished out during the match and Muscat suffered a gashed cheek after copping an elbow. The Phoenix were beaten 0-2.

Gold Coast United and Central Coast Mariners also received similar notices after players from both sides were involved in a second-half confrontation in their match on Friday which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Adelaide United, who had seven players shown the yellow card in their 0-2 loss to Melbourne on Saturday also got a notice alleging team misconduct from Football Federation Australia.

Under the rules, a team will get team misconduct notices if five or more players receive yellow cards during a match.

The clubs have until Thursday to respond.

- NZPA