Melbourne Victory midfielder Zinédine Machach banned for two matches following 'assault' in derby win - meaning he will miss BOTH semi-finals against Wellington Phoenix

In a hammer blow, Melbourne Victory will be without key midfielder Zinédine Machach for both A-League semi-finals against Wellington Phoenix - after the Frenchman was handed a two-match ban following a straight red card for violent conduct.

Machach was marched from the field in the 38th minute of Victory's penalty shootout win over bitter rivals Melbourne City on Sunday at AAMI Park.

He was deemed to have lashed out towards City winger Leo Natel.

Taking to X, many frustrated football fans felt the sending-off was soft - with Natel milking the on-field 'assault'.

However, A-League officials - especially referee Alex King - disagreed.

The A-League Match Review Panel on Monday declared Machach's offence to be, 'Assault on a player (e.g. violent conduct when not challenging for the ball) or against any other person other than a Match Official, including an attempted assault', a statement read.

Machach's two-match ban rules him out of both legs of the semi-finals versus Wellington.

Meanwhile, Victory teammate Paul Izzo - the hero in the semi-final during the penalty shootout - has praised the club's passionate supporters.

'I couldn't even hear myself scream, the noise was that loud,' the goalkeeper said post game.

'They have been immense for us all season. It's a credit to them and we are so lucky to have them.'

Elsewhere, Premier's Plate winners Central Coast Mariners, fresh off their AFC Cup triumph, face Sydney FC in the other two-leg semi-final starting on May 10.

Winners from both two-legged matches will square off in the Grand Final on May 25.

The venue is yet to be determined.