Vance sidelined after cards fly

Teo Pellizzeri

June 24 2008

Shepparton News

Shepparton goal-scoring machine Stuart Vance is headed for time on the sidelines after seeing red in a card-filled afternoon of men's North Eastern Soccer League at McEwen Reserve on Sunday.

Last-placed Cobram will also have an absentee after a straight red card to attacking midfielder Dhiya Al-Mugotir in the Tigers' game against Tatura at Cobram Showgrounds.

Vance, with 12 goals to his name for Shepparton this season, was yellow-carded twice in the first half of his team's 2-1 loss to Shepparton United.

The first booking came when Vance shot on goal after a free kick was whistled in Shepparton United's favour.

Vance's second yellow was for swearing at a match official.

Vance said after the match he was of the impression the central referee had heard his remark and decided not to take action, only to issue the card after being called to the sidelines by the linesman for consultation.

While not a spiteful game, seven other players were yellow-carded in the match.

United will be without Jean-Luc Giuca for its match against Cobram Victory in two weeks after the defender was issued his third yellow card of the season.

Four players in men's division one have been red-carded this season, Al-Mugotir's sending off yesterday the second from Cobram.

The midfielder was issued a straight red after tangling with Tatura's Adrian Corbo in the Tigers' 3-2 loss.

Al-Mugotir will now miss his side's match against Shepparton in two weeks and front the league tribunal in the week before his side's next match against Cobram Victory next month.