By Victor Kanayo
The Syrian Football Association, (SFA) has banned Former National Captain, Ahmed Al-Saleh, for life after he “kicked, insulted and spat on” a referee.
The 33-year-old Al-Jaish defender was given a red card for a clumsy foul on an Al-Wathba player in a Syrian Pro League clash last month.
He then lashed out at the official, despite being restrained by players from both sides.
The SFA said Al-Saleh continued insulting the referee in the dressing room after the match.
Thereafter, the country’s football body fined Al-Saleh and Al-Jaish, who cannot appeal against the punishments.
While Al-Saleh was fined 1.5 million Syrian pounds, ($597) his club Al-Jaish club, was fined 3 million pounds for their fans’ repeated insults to the referee.
Also, the country’s disciplinary committee banned Al-Saleh for life and has proposed his dismissal from Syria’s Sports Federation Organisation, meaning he would not be able to play part in any sports activities in the future, including coaching.
The action taken by the SFA was after the referee’s report of the February 3 match was reviewed.
Al-Wathba beat Al-Jaish 1-0 in the top-of-the-table clash and lead the Syrian top flight by a single point over three clubs, including Al-Jaish, at the halfway point of the season.
