Matt Hodgson to miss United game

The NBL released the below statement regarding Perth Wildcats centre Matt Hodgson. 

Ollie Hayes-Brown comes into the team to take on Melbourne United.

Matt Hodgson will be ineligible to play against Melbourne United on Saturday after the Independent Full Member Tribunal (FMT) upgraded his penalty for two counts of striking, to three games with only one suspended.

The penalty first issued by the Single Member Tribunal last Friday of three games with two suspended was appealed by the Hungry Jack’s NBL.

The FMT issued Hodgson with a one match penalty for the first charge, and a two match penalty for the second charge (one is suspended for 24 months). 

The FMT agreed with the decision to dismiss the charge of engaging in a melee/brawl.

Hodgson will be eligible to play again on 19 February against the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena.

He served the first game of his ban last Saturday night when the Wildcats played the South East Melbourne Phoenix.