The Wellington Phoenix have fined the three players sent off in a pre-season match against the Newcastle Jets in the weekend which included an all-in brawl.
Manny Muscat and Ben Sigmund were red-carded, along with Jets defender Tiago, after a first-half fracas. Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante was also ordered off following a second-half incident.
Football Federation Australia was set to review the footage yesterday (Mon) before making a decision on possible punishments.
Phoenix general manager David Dome said that the club has taken the incidents very seriously.
"Notwithstanding the play that led to the incidents, the club in no way condones any kind of retribution or fighting in a match. It is totally unacceptable and we have taken action immediately following the match."
Muscat, Sigmund and Durante have all been fined by the club and depending on sanctions handed out by the FFA will be stood down for some of the upcoming games on the pre-season tour of India.
Coach Ricki Herbert has also been strong in his condemnation of the incidents.
"The day after the match Herbert addressed the entire squad and expressed his displeasure," said Dome. "He was unequivocal that incidents of this type will not be accepted by any player regardless of their seniority in the team."
Herbert has also spoken to the three players involved.
The brawl occurred in the 25th minute after Muscat took exception to a hard tackle by Tiago, striking at the Brazilian as both players lay on the ground.
That sparked an all-in brawl which saw Sigmund earn a red card after running in and hitting Jets player Jobe Wheelhouse in the back with his forearm.
Rookie referee Tim McGilchrist, who the Newcastle Herald reported took five minutes to restore order, sent the two instigators Tiago and Muscat from the field, along with Sigmund.
Durante was later red-carded in the second half after he lashed out at Jets midfielder James Brown, leaving the Phoenix with eight men for the final 27 minutes.
The Phoenix left for India on Sunday to take part in a four-team tournament in the sub-continent. They kick off the A-League season proper when they host Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium on October 6.
