Soccer: Waitakere striker to face judiciary

Waitakere United striker Commins Menapi will face a New Zealand Soccer judicial hearing following his red card in Monday's New Zealand Football Championship final.

Menapi was sent off for the use of excessive force in a tackle on Auckland City defender Riki Van Steeden 34 minutes into the North Harbour Stadium. Auckland City went on to win the match 3-2.

The Solomon Islands international was charged with serious foul play but on review of the match video, referee Peter O'Leary has upgraded the charge to violent conduct.

New Zealand Soccer must now convene a judicial committee to hear the charge. Menapi is able to attend the hearing or provide written evidence.

A date for the hearing is yet to be confirmed.

Menapi is free to play for Waitakere in the first leg of the Oceania Champions League final against Fijian champions Ba in Ba on Saturday as the competition sits outside NZFC jurisdiction.

- NZPA