Victory accept Barbarouses A-League ban
Kosta Barbarouses. (AAP)
Melbourne Victory have decided to accept Kosta Barbarouses's two-match ban for a mistimed tackle on Sydney FC's Milos Ninkovic in last Saturday's A-League Big Blue.
The A-League champions said they were "incredibly disappointed" to have received the punishment, and will lose the flying winger for away matches against Central Coast this Sunday and Brisbane the following week.
Victory coach Kevin Muscat, football boss Paul Trimboli and Barbarouses decided against an appeal given how few are successful.
Muscat's frustration was palpable all the way from Japan, where the club earned a 1-1 draw with Gamba Osaka on Wednesday night, when he learned of the panel's decision to cite Barbarouses.
Referee Kris Griffith-Jones was just metres away when the Kiwi winger left his studs in Ninkovic's shin guard, judging the tackle to be worth a foul at the time.
On subsequent reflection, the review panel determined the reckless challenge was serious foul play, awarding a two-match ban.
Barbarouses will be eligible to continue in the Asian Champions League when Suwon Bluewings visit on March 15.
