Wellington Phoenix head coach Ricki Herbert has copped a three-match touchline ban for his actions during Sunday's win over Adelaide United in Christchurch.

Herbert had a run-in with referee Peter O'Leary late in the tense clash which saw the New Zealanders grab a late winner through Ben Sigmund to claim the match 2-1.

The man who doubles as the All Whites boss was sent from the sideline when he argued with O'Leary about the positioning of a throw-in late in the match and will now have to sit in the stands for the next three matches against Gold Coast United, Newcastle Jets and North Queensland Fury.

But the Phoenix stated today that they will appeal the ban which will now be heard by Football Federation Australia's (FFA) Disciplinary Committee.