Mrdja's ban upheld
03/03/2010 07:23:14 PM
Melbourne Victory striker Nik Mrdja's appeal against a two-match ban has been dismissed by the A-League Disciplinary Committee.
The Victory were hoping to have Mrdja's ban reduced to one match after he punished for elbowing Sydney defender Shannon Cole in the first leg of the major semi-final two weeks ago.
Mrdja will now miss Sunday's second leg and if Melbourne progresses then he will also miss the Grand Final.
With Archie Thompson and Robbie Kruse still battling injuries, the Victory are now without a recognised striker for this weekend's clash.
Melbourne has seven days to decide if it wants to appeal the verdict.