Melbourne City's title hopes have been dealt a blow, with Harry Novillo receiving a two-match ban that will rule him out of Sunday's do-or-die A-League elimination final against Perth.
Novillo was cited on Monday for kicking during a heated halftime scuffle between City and Adelaide United players and coaches last Friday night.
The all-in melee erupted at AAMI Park as both sides headed down the tunnel during the Reds' 2-0 win, and is understood to have been sparked by ex-City midfielder Stefan Mauk's baiting hand gesture at his formers team's bench.
During the tussle, City goalkeeper coach Joey Didulica grabbed 20-year-old Mauk by the throat, leading to his suspension and the A-League match review panel proposing a four-match sanction on Monday.
Both Novillo and Mauk received yellow cards at the time for unsporting behaviour.
After reviewing submissions lodged by the club on behalf of Novillo, the panel on Tuesday determined the French winger had committed assault on a player and proposed a two-game sanction.
It's a blow to City's league-best attack and means Novillo has played his last match this season unless the club advance to the grand final on May 1.
The cashed-up outfit are up against it to claim a maiden title despite having been a shoo-in for the Premiers Plate a little over a fortnight ago.
Sitting on the top of the table with two regular-season rounds remaining, John van `t Schip's side went on to lose twice in succession and finish fourth.
They'll now have to win three straight finals clashes to clinch the championship, the first against Perth at AAMI Park on Sunday.
"I think Harry can play but if he can't, other players will work hard to play in this position and play good for the team," star striker and league top-scorer Bruno Fornaroli said on Tuesday.
Novillo has until midday (AEST) on Wednesday to advise whether he wants to refer the matter to the disciplinary committee for a hearing.