The independent Match Review Panel (MRP) – consisting of Simon Micallef (Chair), Con Diomis, and Alan Davidson – convened on Monday, 24 October 2022 to consider an incident involving Hiroshi Ibusuki (Ibusuki) of Adelaide United FC in or around the 40th minute of Adelaide United FC’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men match against Sydney FC on Sunday, 23 October 2022.
In accordance with the A-Leagues Disciplinary Regulations (the Regulations), the MRP has the authority to consider the incident as Ibusuki was issued with a direct Red Card by the Referee.
Further, Adelaide United FC submitted an Obvious Error (Red Card) Application (Application) on the basis that an Obvious Error had been made by the Referee by issuing Ibusuki with the direct Red Card.
The Application
The MRP first considered the Application. In accordance with the Regulations, the MRP considered the broadcast footage, match official reports and the submissions on behalf of Ibusuki.
As Ibusuki was issued with a direct Red Card, the MRP was first required to determine unanimously that based on the materials above, no direct Red Card was warranted in the circumstances.
After due consideration, the MRP held that no direct Red Card was warranted in the circumstances and the other matters required by the Regulations were satisfied. Therefore, the Application was accepted, as there was an obvious error in the issuing of the Red Card.
Outcome
Having accepted the Application, the MRP has determined that Ibusuki would not be required to serve the mandatory match suspension, will face no further action for the incident, and will have the Red Card rescinded and removed from his record.
Quote from Football Australia Head of Football Nathan Magill
“During the off-season, the Football Australia Refereeing Department undertook extensive work to overhaul the Referee Coaching and Assessment system to modernise the way in which we provide feedback.
“As part of this process, the Referees Department engaged the Australian Professional Leagues to establish a series of co-designed priority areas for the 2022-23 A-Leagues season, which ultimately focused on three main focuses: player safety, maximising ball in play, and enhancing the image of the game.
“During the pre-season, the Referees Department – supported by A-Leagues officials – proactively conducted stakeholder education with all A-Leagues clubs where these priority areas were presented to coaching staff and their playing group, providing an opportunity for feedback and questions prior the season commencing.
“The three co-designed priorities will remain the focus for officials this A-Leagues season, where Football Australia will continue to work with all league stakeholders to play our role in delivering an entertaining, highly successful, and safe season.
“Separately, Football Australia acknowledges that the time taken to review some decisions via Video Assistant Referee can be an issue for fans, players, and match officials. We continue to work with the Australian Professional Leagues and their production partner, Global Advance, to enhance the experience for our key stakeholders.”
