Farizal gets 12-month match ban, US$40,000 fine

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has slapped Johor Darul Ta’’zim (JDT) goalkeeper Mohd Farizal Marlias with a 12-month match ban and a US$ 40,000 (US$1 = RM4.26) fine for violent conduct during the AFC Cup match against Ceres Negros on May 31.

The decision was made during AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee’’s urgent meeting on Thursday, said an AFC statement uploaded on its website, www.theafc.com. “The match suspension shall be served on an Asia-wide basis encompassing al l domestic, continental and international matches, whether friendly, nonofficial or official matches,” said the statement.

Pahang- born Farizal, 30, had used his fists to push the referee in the chest ( violent conduct) after he was sent off during the match.

“After being sent off, the player used his fists to push the referee in the chest, used his hands to push the second assistant referee, used his shoulder to push the first assistant referee, and used his hands to push the fourth official as he exited the field. All the actions bring the game of football into serious disrepute.”

Farizal lost his temper after Chinese referee Fu Ming awarded a penalty against JDT during injury time in the AFC Cup Asean zone semi- final match at Panaad Park and Football Stadium, Bacolod City, the Philippines.

As a result, JDT exited the competition due to the away goal rule, despite tying 4- 4 on aggregate score. The 2015 AFC Cup champions won 3-2 at Larkin before losing 1-2 in the second leg.

AFC also slapped JDT’s head coach Benjamin Mora with a US$ 7,000 fine for using insulting language at the AFC staff and match officials after the match. — Bernama