By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)
In an interview with football pundits and soccer fans at home and aboard on the judgment of Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), the disciplinary committee regarding the incidents that occurred during the FA Cup final match between Bo Rangers FC and East End Lions FC on May 4th, 2024 has raised huge questions and disappointment over the issue.
They’ve deeply expressed poor leadership and unfit performance over the years.
Ensuring a review of match reports, the Committee is imposing fines on both teams and an officials. East End Lions official Alpha Rashid is fined for sprinkling an unidentified liquid on the pitch.
“Alpha Rashid, the official of East End Lions, is fined Five thousand new Leones (NLe5,000) for sprinkling unidentified liqud on the pitch,” the statement has said.
Bo Rangers players involved in misconduct were also fined and are required to issue a public apology to avoid a match suspension. “Despite the club faces a fine due to fan behavior, Bo Rangers are fined Sixty Thousand new Leones (NLe 60,000) for the misconduct of their fans,” the Committee said.
However, Committee’s recommendation to replay the match from the 65th minute at a neutral venue, SLFA Academy Kingtom playing pitch, will host the replay, which will have heightened security measures in place.
The Committee has emphasized that football should be a unifying force and should be devoid of any form of hooliganisms or violence.
The Committee has also prohibited political banners to be placed near the gaming venue for the replay.