Thihariya Youth Football team has been banned from their home matches and fined a sum of LKR 50,000 for their negligence to provide security which led to the referees being assaulted last weekend.
The incident happened when referee Mohomed Irshan along with the other officials was assaulted by the Thihariya Youth spectators at the conclusion of the Saunders v Thihariya Youth match at the Sri Bodhi grounds, Gampaha.
Saunders won the match 1-0 and secured their first win in the Dialog Champions League. The two sides are struggling and are bottom of the table fighting to stay off relegation.
According to Referee Irshan they were no major incidents in the match and after the match players shook hands and walked off with no complain. During the match there were a few injuries and Saunders players had tried to delay the match faking injuries but he had handled it well and had given 5 minutes of injury time. The angry fans who had wanted more injury time had then attacked the referee.
“We have taken the decision to not play any home matches of Thihariya Youth at the Gampaha Sri Bodhi grounds and also gave a fine of Rs.50, 000.” Football Federation’s Director of Referees Mr. Mahasena. Yapa informed the ThePapare.com
The decision means that the Thihariya Youth won’t be able to hosts their home matches for the rest of the Dialog Champions League 2014. A huge blow to the side that is struggling in the relegation battle and are in danger of getting the drop in their first ever season in the Premier division.
“We hope to distribute the fine among the officials who were assaulted; the four referees and the match commissioner.” Mr. Yapa further added.
“Since the spectators and not the players had hit the referees we cannot take any further action.” concluded Mr. Yapa.
ThePapare.com contacted referee Mohomed Irshan who was satisfied that a decision has been taken.
“I’m happy a swift decision has been taken in this matter. There were some same incidents in the past which weren’t dealt with properly. So I’m happy they have given a ban and the fine.” Irshan added.
“Thihariya Youth will only be banned from three or four home matches because in the second round there will be nine matches.”
“The relevant committees should look into these matters and make sure this won’t happen again. Most referees now don’t want to travel to some places. Not just in Thihariya, referees are unwilling to go to Kalutara, Negombo etc.”
“This is the premier division in Sri Lanka. Football Federation should provide the necessary security. They should give high priority to this issue. If proper security isn’t provided it hampers the mentality of the referee and thus plays a huge part in making the proper on field calls during the match.” Irshan talked about the importance of this matter.
