MELBOURNE Victory midfielder Grant Brebner has been handed a one-game ban after he was sent off in Saturday night’s derby against the Melbourne Heart.

Brebner was given a straight red card for a lunging tackle on Heart striker Eli Babalj in the second half of the goalless draw at AAMI Park.

The A-League's Match Review Panel found the veteran midfielder guilty of serious foul play and imposed a one-match ban.

The suspension means Brebner will now miss Friday night's vital clash with league leaders Central Coast at AAMI Park.