By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Following controversies and violence that erupted during a match played in the ongoing North-East Region Playoff at the Magburaka field between Yoni Shooting Stars and Kholifa Stars FC on Tuesday 22 August 2023, the North-Earth Region Football Association (NERFA) in a press release dated 24 August 2023, issued certain disciplinary actions against Yoni Shooting Starts football club.
It could be recalled that after the match between Yoni Shooting Stars and Kholifa Stars FC at the Magburaka field which ended in serious violence, the North-Earth Region Football Association set up a committee to investigate what exactly happens and the following resolutions were reached:
That there was a deliberate attack on the match officials by players and the Head Coach, Idressa Kamara of Yoni Shooting Stars. Also, the penalty awarded to Kholifa Stars was never executed due to the unauthorized intrusion of Yoni Shooting Stars’ officials and players onto the field, resulting in a halt in play. The actions of Yoni Shooting Stars undeniably disrupted the progress of the match.
According to the release, the action of the Yoni Shooting team during the match constitutes a violation of section 16. 1 (d) of the 2023 NERFA Rules and Regulations, which stated that offences committed by teams warranting a forfeiture of match include: ‘Team positioning itself such a way as a render the progress of the match impossible.’ So, as such the NERFA pointed out that three points and three goals are awarded to Kholifa Stars FC.
The release continued that Yoni Shooting Stars is subjected to a fine of five hundred thousand old leones (500,000) for their abandonment of the match.
It also noted that the Head Coach of Yoni Shooting Stars Idressa Kamara, is fined the sum of five hundred thousand old leone (500,000) and because of the Head Coach assaulted the match official, he is suspended for two match.
The other disciplinary action that was taken according to the release is that Augustine Larkoh, a player of Yoni Shooting Stars suspended for two matches for his physical altercation with match official during the match.
According to the release, the North-Earth Region Football Association is remained steadfast and committed to upholding the principles of fairs play of the game.
