Brisbane Roar Defender Set For Lengthy Ban After Spitting Incident

Brisbane Roar defender Avraam Papadopoulos is set to be banned for at least six weeks after spitting at Sydney FC striker Matt Simon.

The two came together in the 71st minute of the A-League clash with Sydney leading 2-0.

There was a brief word between the two combustible players before after Papadopoulos fouled Simon, with the Brisbane man then appearing to spit in Simon’s direction.

The Sydney man responded by grabbing Papadopoulos and shoving him to the ground.

After a lengthy video review, both players were sent off for their role in the ugly spat.

Watch vision of the incident here:

Papadopoulos has since apologised for his actions in a club statement.

"I would like to apologise to the Club, playing group, supporters and sponsors for letting game-related emotions get the better of me which caused a serious error of judgement," he said.

The minimum sanction for spitting at another player in the A-League is six matches.

Former Melbourne Victory striker Ney Fabiano had a nine-match ban reduced to six after being found guilty of spitting at then Adelaide United defender Robbie Cornthwaite in 2008.

Sydney went on to win the game 3-1, with Sydney’s goals coming from David Carney, Seb Ryall and an Adrian Mierzejewski penalty, while Jack Hingert grabbed a late consolation for the Roar.