Cosgrove defends suspension arrangement ahead of A-League opener
The Auckland FC striker served his two-match ban through reserves fixtures, making him available to face Melbourne City.
Auckland FC striker Sam Cosgrove has defended serving a two-match suspension through New Zealand reserves fixtures, allowing him to face Melbourne City in the club's opening A-League Men match.
The ban followed his dismissal late in Auckland's 1-0 defeat by Saudi club Al-Ahli in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in August. He served it through National League games involving Auckland's reserves against Wellington Olympic and Miramar Rangers.
At a media conference on 15 October, Cosgrove reacted angrily when questioned about the arrangement. He argued that Auckland was entitled to pursue ways to make him available and maintained that he had served the suspension. The exchange ended with him threatening to bar the reporter from returning.
An Auckland FC representative said FIFA, Football Australia and Football New Zealand had accepted how the suspension was served.
Speaking on The Unused Subs podcast, Cosgrove said legal teams had found a way to register him with Auckland's reserves while efforts were being made to reduce the ban, which he considered harsh.
Auckland will host Melbourne City to begin its title defence before visiting Western Sydney Wanderers on 24 October. Cosgrove scored 11 goals and won the golden boot in his debut season with the club.
