Novillo issued show cause notice for half-time scuffle

Melbourne City's Harry Novillo could miss the A-League finals after he was issued with a show cause notice by the independent Match Review Panel for his role in the half-time scuffle against Adelaide United on Friday night.

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Pushing and shoving ensued between players and coaches on the way to the tunnel at half-time

Both Novillo and Adelaide's Stafn Mauk both recieved yellow cards before the second-half kicked off for unsporting behaviour but the City winger now faces additional punishment.

It is understood that Novillo will have to show cause for kicking out in the direction of Adelaide United's Marcelo Carrusca and Dylan McGowan in the midst of the melee.

Novillo has until Tuesday to show cause before the Match Review Panel reconvene to consider a punishment.

A statment from the independent Match Review Panel read: "Novillo has been cited for the incident and a show cause notice has been issued (the Notice). Novillo has until 12:00pm (AEST) Tuesday, 12 April 2016 to make submissions in response to the Notice. The MRP will reconvene tomorrow afternoon to consider the Citation Incident and any submissions filed by the Novillo."

If the Frenchman is suspended it will be another blow for Melbourne City who let their grip on the Premiers' Plate and top two finish slip with the loss to Adelaide United.

Melbourne City goalkeeping coach Joseph Didulica, meanwhile, has been charged with assaulting a player, with the panel proposing a four-match sanction.