Fabiano was originally abnned for nine weeks for allegedly spitting in the face of Adelaide United defender Ney Fabiano.

The club originally insisted there was no case to answer, claiming Cornthwaite had simply been sprayed with saliva when Fabiano reacted verbally to him.

But that suggestion was thrown out by the FFA's disciplinary committees.

Now the club has given up the fight - but said they still backed their player.

Victory CEO Geoff Miles said: “Our plea throughout has been that the incident didn’t involve an intentional spitting action.

"Under the revised Hyundai A-League rules of appeal, there are now very limited grounds of appeal, and additional evidence that may support a finding of player innocence is not admissible at appeal.”

A club statement added: "It has been a very thorough process Football Football Australia has undertaken, from the Match Review panel, Disciplinary Committee and now to the Appeals Committee.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, although it is positive that the sentence has been reduced to the minimum permissible under the rules and Ney Fabiano will be back on the pitch sooner.

"Ney Fabiano has the full support of the club, coaching staff and playing group and we believe he is someone of very good character. The club will now make no further comment on this matter."