Victory accept Berisha A-League ban
Melbourne Victory and Besart Berisha will take their medicine over the striker's two-match ban for unsporting conduct.
The A-League's all-time leading scorer was found guilty of manhandling fourth official Daniel Elder in Victory's 2-2 draw with Adelaide United last week.
Berisha received a four-match ban for pushing the official away - with two of those weeks suspended on good behaviour - meaning he will miss matches against Central Coast and Western Sydney,
The striker showed his contrition in a statement issued after the verdict at Thursday night's tribunal in Sydney.
"Firstly, I would like to apologise for my actions in Adelaide. It is never ok to touch a match official and for doing so, I am sorry," he said.
"I did not mean any harm and I'm thankful to have received a fair hearing.
"My focus now is training hard and preparing for my return."
Victory took a strong contingent to Sydney for the tribunal, led by chief executive Ian Robson.
Football boss Paul Trimboli and legal representatives also accompanied Berisha.
The team convened after the verdict was handed down and decided not to appeal the decision, and move on.
Berisha could have been banned for four matches for the charge of unsporting conduct toward a match official.
The two-week absence means coach Kevin Muscat must still consider his options for the forthcoming fortnight.
Socceroo James Troisi is an option as a makeshift number nine, as is wide man Kosta Barbarouses.
Versatile forward Leroy George is another.
Young gun Pierce Waring has also been drafted into Victory's match-day squad for Sunday night's match in Gosford, and looms as a wildcard choice.
