Football: Jordanian centreback Yazan Al-Arab banned from Malaysian football after referee assault

PETALING JAYA: Jordanian international centreback Yazan Al-Arab has been banned for life from Malaysian football.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) disciplinary committee announced the decision via a press statement, which was issued on Monday (Nov 20).

The action was taken after the 28-year-old kicked and spat at the match’s referee in frustration after the final whistle between Selangor and Terengganu in the second leg of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Sept 24.

After the incident, the Red Giants terminated his contract on mutual consent immediately after a disciplinary inquiry was done.

FAM meted the lifetime ban after he violated Article 51, paragraph 1(a) and Article 59 of the association’s Disciplinary Code but said the decision could be appealed.

“For the first charge, he was suspended for four games and the second, he was banned for life,” said the statement.

“However, the committee has decided to adopt Article 43 of the FAM Disciplinary Code where if there are several punishments that can be imposed as a result of related violations, the Committee can punish the most serious violation committed only.

“Therefore, the punishment imposed on this player for the above charges as a whole is a lifetime suspension from being involved in any football activities including football administration, management and sporting activities as well as related activities in Malaysia.

“This player is also given a stern warning and a heavier punishment will be imposed if he repeats the same mistake. This decision can be appealed.”

Besides Al-Arab, four Selangor officials have been given 10-match suspension for aggressively insulting, showing lewd signs and blocking the way of the referees during the second leg of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals between Selangor and Terengganu.

They are Syafiq Iqmal Fozi, Mohd Fadhli Mohd Zahari, Amirul Aswad Subro and Wan Ajmal Wan Abdullah.

Another official, Chief Marshall M. Jayabalan was given a two-year ban for throwing a bottle at the match referees during the same game, not giving protection to the referees and also trying to get them out of the match official’s room.