by hawkmoon269 » Mon Jun 19, 2006 1:04 pm
Harry Kewell may be forced to sit out Australia's final Group F match against Croatia after FIFA charged him with insulting referee Markus Merk.
The winger clashed with Merk as the players left the field at the end of the Socceroos' 2-0 defeat against Brazil on Sunday and the German match official responded by reporting him to the tournament organisers.
The charge could lead to Kewell being suspended for the vital game with Croatia, the outcome of which will decide whether Australia progress to the last 16.
FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said: "FIFA have opened disciplinary procedures against Harry Kewell. It was reported in the referee's report that he insulted the referee several times.
"He has until tomorrow [June 20] to respond and a decision will be taken before Australia's final group match."
Kewell admitted immediately after the match that he should not have challenged Merk, but claimed the official would not have a problem with the incident.
"You're frustrated, you're losing the game, every referee puts up with it. I mean, it's part and parcel of the game. He knows there's no harm meant by it," said the Liverpool star.
"You go out there and play so well against the world champions and you come off losing, whereas you think you should have come off with something. He understands that, that's the way it is.
"It was a hard match to referee, and he did a good job."
