By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

As things unfold regarding relegations in the 2023/24 Leone Rock Premier League season, an Appeals Committee has overturned the decision of the league’s Disciplinary Committee to award three points and two goals to Wilberforce Strikers without touching the ball.

On June 30th, the penultimate day of the league, a controversial penalty was awarded to Wilberforce Strikers in the 52nd minute, with Freetown City Football Club (FCFC) leading 1-0.

This decision prompted the match to be halted and subsequently called off by the referee. “Freetown City Football Club forfeits the match, awarding 3 points and 2 goals to Wilberforce Strikers FC as per rule 24.2 paragraphs b, c, and d,” thus is according to a report from the Emergency Disciplinary and Protest Committee below. 1.

It holds that in the circumstance herein, the remaining minutes of the match between Freetown City Football Club and Wilberforce Strikers be played in accordance with rule 23.2 to rule 23.2.8 of the SLFA Premier League rule and regulations 2023.

“That the fine of NLE 2000 levied against Abdul K Turay, the captain of Freetown City Football Club be reversed and overturned as he was acting within his remits as the captain of his team when he went to speak to the referee and there’s no evidence to prove that he assaulted the referee aside the referee’s report.”

Ruling number 3 states  that the fine of NLE2000 levied against Aruna Kamara by the Emergency Disciplinary and Protest committee remains enforceable.”

It added that the fines of NLE3000 levied on Coach Alusine B. Kargbo, assistant coach Mohamed S. Kamara, team Doctor Mohamed S. Bockarie and management representative Ishmaila Bah be reversed an d overturned.

And ruling 5 says a fine of NLE 10000 which was levied against Freetown City Football Club for the collective misconduct of its officials and supporters remains enforceable.

Rule 6 says that a fine of NLE 10000 is levied on Wilberforce Strikers Football club for the collective misconduct of its players, officials and supporters.

And that the recommendation preferred by The Emergency Disciplinary and Protest committee for John Dissa to be reprimanded for unprofessional conduct and personal grievances be ignored and that he maintains his position in the League for conducting himself professionally.