The suspension of a Sporting Ballyjamesduff player has been extended to seven years. The FAI previously handed out a five-year-ban to the player who kicked a referee.
The incident, which happened after 85 minutes of a game against Dundalk side Bay FC, saw the referee requiring medical attention after a 'kung fu style kick'.
Following a disciplinary hearing held on Monday, May 8th, an Independent Appeal Committee has increased the sanction imposed on a player from Sporting BJD FC for assaulting a match official in the North Eastern Football League on April 6th, 2023.
The player had initially been given a five-year ban from all football-related activities by an Independent Disciplinary Committee. However, on appeal, this ban has been increased to a seven-year ban from all football-related activities.
In a statement issued to Northern Sound, the FAI said it "acknowledges" the decision by the Independent Appeal Committee and wishes to reiterate our zero tolerance approach towards any abuse or threat or act of violence against match officials.
