Java Lane SC’s Madhawa Ruwansiri (No. 18) and Mohomed Aleem (No. 17) were given a one year ban and a Rs.10,000 fine while Maxi Lettren and Mohomed Ismirly were banned for three matches and a Rs.5,000 fine by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka.
The players were punished for their involvement in assaulting Referee Mohomed Irshan after the referee had awarded a penalty to Nandimithra SC at the City League Football Complex.
Java Lane SC the home side were stripped off their home matches which were to be played at the City League Complex in the Dialog Champions League while the committee awarded the win to Nandimithra SC who were leading the 1-0 at that time.
“The Football Federation took a swift decision in punishing these players. There is no room in the game for this kind of behavior. We have our player’s code of conduct and have given them the punishments accordingly. Since we had video evidence as well the decisions were easy to make.” Director Competitions, Mr. Anandakumar Anthonypillai told ThePapare.com.
“As for the security, we had informed the Police beforehand but they haven’t arrived on time unfortunately. We haven’t taken any action against the club (Java Lane SC) as this City League Football Complex is under the Football Federation and it was part of our responsibility to provide the security” he went on to say.
This is not the first time these incidents have happened in Sri Lanka football. The same referee was assaulted at the Thihariya Youth grounds a few weeks back. It has become a regular occurrence and the behaviour of the players provokes even the fans to act in an unruly manner, which is unfortunate.
“It is good that the federation has taken a quick decision. People come to matches expecting a good clean game and the actions of some players puts a dent to this wonderful game. The referees will be available for the future matches and they didn’t participate in duties following the assault with fear of having no security at venues.” A referees’ committee member added when asked about the punishments handed over to the culprits.
“Also the referees committee will meet with the President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka today to discuss matters as how to improve security at the venues and make sure these incidents doesn’t happen in the future. We need more security personnel at venues. There are only three or four at matches. And it is not enough to control even 15-20 people let alone thousands” he further added.
