The Central Coast Mariners keeper was dismissed in the dying seconds of Sunday’s match for violent conduct, catching the palm of referee Mark Shield in frustration.

Despite coach Lawrie McKinna’s supportive comments about the player earlier in the day, Vukovic’s actions will see him sidelined for nine months with the remaining six months suspended on a probationary basis for six months.

McKinna has described the goalkeeper as a wonderful ambassador for the Central Coast and hailed his commitment to the club, both on and off the pitch.

However, the FFA have taken an extremely dim view of his actions, although it was also in their power to ban the player for life.

It means the Olyroos keeper could yet miss out on this summer’s Olympic tournament in China.

A statement from the FFA, released shortly after 8.30pm, read: “Football Federation Australia (FFA) tonight announced the decision of the independent Match Review Panel arising from the red card (send off) offence of Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners) at the Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Final on Sunday.

"The Match Review Panel for the Hyundai A-League has suspended Vukovic for 15 months, of which nine months will be served with the remaining six months suspended on a probationary basis for 12 months.

"In effect, this means that Vukovic will not be eligible to play in the Hyundai A-League competition again until 24 November 2008.

"If Vukovic re-offends in the 12 month period after 24 November 2008, he will be required to serve the remaining six months of his 15 month suspension (in addition to any new sanction).

"If he chooses to appeal the decision, Vukovic has up to two avenues of appeal under FFA procedures. Vukovic has seven days in which to lodge an appeal.
FFA is considering the extension of the sanction beyond the Hyundai A-League, including to national team duty.

"FFA has also cited Sasho Petrovski (Central Coast Mariners) for an alleged infringement of the laws of the game concerning the use of an abusive gesture against a match official.

"The matter is automatically referred to the Disciplinary Committee for hearing.

"In addition, FFA is writing to the Central Coast Mariners asking them to show cause why the Club should not also be sanctioned under the FFA National Disciplinary Regulations for team misconduct."