FORMER REPUBLIC of Ireland international Roy O'Donovan has been hit with a 10-game ban for a high-footed horror tackle in the A-League Grand Final.
O'Donovan, who has earned caps for Ireland at Under-21 and B level, currently plies his trade with Newcastle Jets in the Australian top-flight football league.
The 32-year-old was sent off in controversial circumstances during the Jets' 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory in the A-League Grand Final after landing a Kung-Fu-style high-kick to the head of Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas.
After three days of deliberation, a Football Federation Australia disciplinary and ethics committee opted to suspend the former Cork City favourite for 10 competitive games.
"The Newcastle Jets are extremely disappointed with the outcome of this hearing and will immediately lodge an appeal on O'Donovan's behalf," a response from the Irishman's parent club read.
Newcastle will now be without O'Donovan for the start of next season.
It's a major blow to their A-League hopes following a campaign in which the forward bagged nine goals in 16 league appearances.
It's also the second time O'Donovan has been hit with a lengthy suspension in the A-League.
Two years ago, the Irishman served an eight-game ban while at Central Coast after head-butting Wellington rival Manny Muscat.
More recently, the Irishman was dismissed against Sydney FC earlier this after landing a punch on an opponent.
O'Donovan is still some way off beating the all-time A-League record when it comes to lengthy suspensions though.
Back in 2008, Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic landed a nine-month ban from the game for striking a referee.
Signed by then-Sunderland manager Roy Keane in 2007 following an impressive spell with Cork, O'Donovan has also played for Dundee United, Blackpool and Coventry among others as part of a nomadic football career. This latest ban could yet see him on the move again.
