SAN ANTONIO - MAY 25: Bruce Bowen #12 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a call by referee Mike Callahan #24 while taking on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on May 25, 2008 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Melbourne City's Harry Novillo will not play in this week's semifinal, after he failed in his attempt to have his ban reduced.
Novillo argued that he was off-balance when he threw his leg out during the half time melee between City and Adelaide United in Round 27.
However, the three-man committee dismissed his claims, upholding his two game ban.
“I was falling back, I didn't touch no one at all,” Novillo said during the hearing on Tuesday night.
“Looking at the footage of the scene, I think it's not a good image for the championship and we have to work together to stop this from happening in the future.
“It's not normal that I am at this place. I regret getting in this action.”
City will now be forced to take on Adelaide United in the do or die semifinal at Coopers Stadium without the 24-year-old Frenchman. The only way Novillo can play again this season is if City make it to the grand final on May 1st.