Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has questioned the extension of his Adelaide United counterpart Guillermo Amor's touchline ban to a second A-League match.
Amor was banished to the stands during last weekend's goalless draw with top-of-the-table Sydney FC after touching fourth official Adam Fielding following a controversial decision during the Reds' 3-1 loss to the Perth Glory the week before.
After an independent disciplinary and ethics committee hearing on Wednesday, Amor's ban was extended to Sunday's upcoming match against the Phoenix in Adelaide.
"For Gui to get two weeks for brushing someone's arm I think is absolutely ridiculous," Merrick said.
"He should be on the bench against us.
"You couldn't meet a nicer gentleman, or a real pacifist. That decision just amazes me."
Merrick didn't believe Amor's absence would have too much impact on Adelaide, as the defending champions battle for their first win of the season after three draws and five losses to date.
"I think there's enough experienced players in the Adelaide team to know what their job is, but I think it always helps to have the coach on the sidelines."
Adelaide sit 10th on the A-League ladder, three points behind the ninth-placed Phoenix.
Wellington will still be missing midfielder Michael McGlinchey and defender Tom Doyle to injury this week as they begin a run of four crucial matches against Adelaide, Central Coast Mariners, Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets.
"In the next four games, we want to get results in three of them, and we've got a team capable of doing that," Merrick said.