The Wellington Phoenix will appeal the A-League ban handed to midfielder Mandi, hoping to have it reduced from three weeks to two.
An independent match review panel determined the suspension after Mandi was shown a straight red card for his reckless challenge on Adelaide United's Vince Lia during their scoreless draw on Saturday.
The Spanish midfielder lashed out at Lia while he was on the ground contesting for the ball in the 64th minute, with the offence deemed by the MRP to be an "assault on a player".
Phoenix player Mandi fights for possession against the Central Coast Mariners earlier this season. Photo: Photosport
The Phoenix are appealing the categorisation of the ban, which was deemed to be violent misconduct without the ball.
Club officials will argue it was with the ball, which was still in sight before Mandi swung his leg towards a prone Lia.
If successful, the ban will be reduced to the minium of two matches, meaning Mandi will miss matches against Western Sydney on Tuesday and Central Coast on Saturday but will be free to face Melbourne Victory next week.
Mandi, 29, is one of just four Phoenix players to have started every match this season and has been an influential figure in the current six-match unbeaten run that has lifted them to sixth.
His place against the Wanderers could be taken by Polish midfielder Michal Kopczynski, or coach Mark Rudan may hand former Socceroo Mitch Nichols his third start of the season.
-AAP
