Call For Fresh Ban Strategy

Call For Fresh Ban Strategy

CLUSIVE: Wellington Phoenix CEO Tony Pignata says there is widespread A-League support for a rethink over the Pre-Season Cup disciplinary structure.A player picking up two yellow cards in successive games is hit with a one-match ban and suspensions will carry over into the start of the new A-League season.

Pignata says his club is not alone in wanting to see that changed but until it does, they will not risk players who are walking a suspension tightrope.

He toldau.fourfourtwo.com: "This is something that we would like to see and something that there is support for (from the other clubs).

"We as a club are not going to put our players in a position where a booking in a Pre-Season Cup match threatens their involvement for the start of the A-League.

"If it means not involving those players for a Pre-Season Cup match then that's what we'll do."

Pignata stressed that it wasn't a case of a no-consequences approach to the competition.

He said: "If someone is hit with a red card then we can understand that situation being carried over but I think there's definitely room for a rethink over the yellow cards."

Phoenix have told all their players what is expected of them in the discipline stakes this season.

Pignata said: "We have sat down with the players and talked about the need for acceptable behaviour.

"The players know that they will be hit with fines for ill-discipline."

good on Tony and the club on both counts