Red Card Fallout: Auckland FC Coach Steve Corica Handed One-Game Ban

Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica has been handed a one-match ban for abusing match officials. Assistant Danny Hay to step in for the crucial A-League fixture.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 14, 2026, 4:30 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Incident

The A-League Match Review Panel confirmed the suspension after determining that Corica used "offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures" directed toward match officials.

The Penalty: A one-game ban, which is the mandatory minimum for the offense.

The Stand-in: Assistant coach and former All Whites boss Danny Hay will take charge of the dugout for the upcoming fixture.

High Stakes in the A-League

The timing of the ban is far from ideal for the expansion club. Auckland FC currently sits second in the A-League standings, trailing leaders Newcastle by just three points.