Soccer: Sigmund banned for three matches

Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund has been suspended for an off the ball incident during Friday’s draw with Melbourne. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Wellington Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund has been handed a three match suspension following an off the ball incident in the Phoenix's A-League match against Melbourne on Friday.

Sigmund was charged with assaulting the Victory's Adrian Leijer when not challenging for the ball in the 36th minute of the drawn match in Wellington.

Television replays had shown Sigmund appearing to punch Leijer after a Victory corner, even before the ball had been crossed.

The A-League's match review panel handed down the suspension on Monday, adding a match to the two game minimum sanction for the offence.

Sigmund and the Phoenix have until 2pm today to accept the proposed sanction or refer the matter to a hearing by Football Federation Australia's disciplinary committee.

- AAP