Mariners' Vukovic faces likely life ban
Central Coast goalkeeper Danny Vukovic could face a ban of between one year and life after striking the referee in the A-League grand final.
The Olyroos shot-stopper was sent off for violent conduct in the dying seconds of the Mariners 1-0 loss to bitter rivals Newcastle Jets at the Sydney Football Stadium after lashing out at referee Mark Shield for not awarding a late penalty.
The incident is set to come under review by Football Federation Australia's match review committee on Monday, with Vukovic certain to face a disciplinary hearing this week in what will be a dramatic aftermath to a controversial clash.
He faces a lengthy ban - and could yet be rubbed out for all of next season.
Under the FFA's national disciplinary regulations, such a charge of violent conduct, striking an official, carries a recommended sanction of a one-year ban to life suspension.
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna admitted emotion got the better of his 22-year-old 'keeper.
"I think it's just passion and hunger and when you see something and it doesn't get dealt with, I think its just that," said McKinna.
"We want passionate players and hungry players and it's just disappointing. Sometimes emotions get the better of you and tonight it did with Danny."
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