Brisbane choose not to appeal Berisha sanction

Brisbane Roar Football Club has today decided not to appeal the ban imposed by Football Federation Australia on striker Besart Berisha.

Berisha was handed a one match ban for an alleged breach of the National Code of Conduct in the aftermath of Brisbane-s dramatic 2-1 win over Sydney FC at Suncorp Stadium on January 14.

The FFA also imposed a further one match ban which has been suspended on condition the player does not breach the National Code of Conduct prior to the end of the Hyundai A-League season, including finals.

Brisbane Roar CEO Michael Bowers said the club fully supported Berisha, but believed in this instance accepting the ban was the right decision.

Bowers said discussions over a range of meetings in Melbourne last weekend that included board members, senior club management and the player had lead to the club-s final position.

“Besart has been nothing short of outstanding for this club since his arrival, both on and off the field,” Bowers said.

“He has impressed everyone who has come in contact with him with his good natured demeanour and positive outlook.

“This past week has undoubtedly been a difficult one for Besart and as a club we have made the decision to accept the ban, put the events behind us and move forward.

“The club must balance the prospects of success of an appeal, the disruption to our normal activities and the distraction from our upcoming game against Newcastle in making this decision.

“So it is with a great deal of reluctance that we believe the best course of action is to accept the FFA decision and concentrate on our preparation for the Newcastle Jets FC game at Suncorp Stadium this Saturday night at this point in time.”

The club has now begun an education and counselling process to assist its players in handling on-field issues so they are better prepared to deal with encounters on the field.

Brisbane Roar now considers this matter to be close and will make no further comment.