Jack Rodwell’s A-League season, and possibly his Sydney FC career, is over after being suspended for two matches by Football Australia’s independent match review panel.
The former Everton and Manchester City defender was given a straight red card for a studs-up tackle on Central Coast’s Christian Theoharous in Sydney’s 2-1 semi-final first-leg loss to the Mariners last Friday night at Allianz Stadium.
The MRP deemed the offence was ‘serious foul play’, resulting in a two-game ban.
Sydney has until 2pm on Tuesday to appeal the length of the ban, but it’s understood the club is unlikely to do so.
It means Rodwell won’t play again this season as the Sky Blues have a maximum of two matches remaining in their 2023-24 campaign – Saturday night’s semi-final second leg against the Mariners in Gosford and possibly the following weekend’s grand final.
Jack Rodwell might have played his final game for Sydney FC
Rodwell was an England wonderkid but his career never took off after signing for Man City
The 33-year-old made just three appearances for England but was highly regarded
The 33-year-old former England international might also have played his last game for the Sky Blues, with Rodwell – who has struggled with injuries this season – yet to be offered a new deal by Sydney.
‘I’ll take a bit of time to see what my options look like at the end of the season,’ Rodwell told News Corp Australia last week.
Rodwell wasn’t the only Sydney player sent off last Friday night, with midfielder Corey Hollman also given his marching orders late in the contest after being shown a second yellow card.
Hollman has been suspended for one match, meaning he will be available for the grand final if the Sky Blues advance by ending the Mariners’ season this weekend.
