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| June 20, 2006 | Tuesday | Jumadi-ul-Awwal 23, 1427 |
Kewell may face possible suspension
HAMBURG, June 19: Australian winger Harry Kewell could be suspended for his team's final group match against Croatia on Thursday after he was accused on Monday of insulting a World Cup referee.
German referee Markus Merk has alleged that the 27-year-old insulted him several times after the final whistle of Australia’s 2-0 defeat to Brazil on Sunday.
Kewell was not booked by the referee but Merk put the incident in his official report to FIFA and the matter will be dealt with by FIFA's disciplinary committee on Monday or Tuesday.
FIFA spokesman Markus Siegler confirmed that the case was being dealt with by the disciplinary body who have the ultimate decision when it comes to deciding on the length of suspensions at the World Cup.
Kewell missed the Socceroos' practice session at Oehringen on Monday to undergo treatment on a nagging groin strain but assistant coach Graham Arnold said the Australians were seeking legal advice to determine their next course of action.
“It's a concern that he may miss the Croatian game so the lawyers are looking into it,” Arnold told reporters.
“Normally you get a card and the referee normally books you on the field but that didn't happen and that's the confusion at the moment.”
Arnold said Kewell's behaviour was out of character but was borne from frustration after Merk awarded 25 fouls against the Australians and just nine against Brazil.
“It's very unlike Harry Kewell to react like that but it was a bit of frustration, not only on his part but all the team's part, on some of the decisions,” Arnold said.
“The fact that (Australia captain) Mark Viduka tried to speak to the referee but he wouldn't have a bit of it just frustrated the players even more.
“Unfortunately, Australia is still viewed as a small footballing nation and we get penalised for it.”
Siegler also confirmed that the case against Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi would be heard by the disciplinary committee by June 23.
De Rossi was shown an instant red card for elbowing Brian McBride in the face during Italy's 1-1 draw with the US on Saturday.
He will definitely miss Italy's final group match against the Czechs on Thursday but is also likely to be banned for longer.
FIFA also confirmed that Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi, who was sent off in their 2-0 defeat to Ghana on Saturday, would also be banned for the match against Italy.—Reuters
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