Santalab was sent off over Christmas in the dying moments of the game against Brisbane Roar on December 23.

As both sides chased a winner in the 1-1 draw, Santalab was spotted by the assistant ref allegedly dragging Jade North down by his head and alerted ref Kris Griffiths Jones who delivered a straight red.

As Santalab had already received an earlier yellow for an elbow on Thomas Kristensen, his fifth of the season, he was automatically suspended for one game anyway.

But the match review panel – which now includes former Wanderers team-mate Adam D'Apuzzo on the board – have also banned him for two more games, subject to any appeal.

Coach Tony Popovic had earlier defended Santalab over the incidents.

“Jade North blocked him off, arms were flying about and the linesman deemed that to be a red,” Popovic said after the match,

“The first one certainly I don’t think was a yellow. He jumped up, his arms were up but there was no elbow or swinging action from the arm. His arms were up but players jump with their arms up.

“Certain players have a reputation and certain players, if they do something like that can easily get a yellow and Santa is one of them.”

Santalab has until noon tomorrow to lodge an appeal.