The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) on Tuesday slapped Moyale Barracks goalkeeper McDonald Harawa with a six-month ban for his kung-fu antics that brought shame on Sunday’s TNM Super League match at Kamuzu Stadium.
For kicking and punching referee Sam Mangansanja and his assistant Kelvin Ngolanga in the ill-tempered match against 2-0 winners Big Bullets, Sulom yesterday also fined Moyale K150 000 (about $441) to be paid prior to the club’s next official match.
“Sulom disciplinary committee meeting held at Lilongwe’s Pacific Hotel arrived at the punishment,” reads a statement from the body’s general secretary Williams Banda.
Harawa exploded after Bullets’ Heston Munthali scored the second goal.
“In view of the foregoing, you are hereby ordered and advised as follows; that your player Mc Donald Harawa has been suspended for six months for the punching of the referee and also shall serve the two match automatic suspension in line with article 49 of the Fifa disciplinary code considering that this is the second time that Moyale players have misbehaved in 2012/13,” reads the statement.
“Please be advised that further similar incidents shall lead to life ban of the player from the League. However, you are free to appeal as per article 14 (e) of the Sulom rules and regulations upon paying the appeal fee of K100 000 (about $294).”
Moyale coach Temwa Msuku blamed the football authorities for their indifference towards the team’s complaints of officiation since last week’s 1-1 draw with Silver Strikers as well as Saturday’s game against Red Lions.
“We are in no way condoning what Harawa did and he is apologetic. But the bigger issue is that nothing happens when we point at officiation flaws. All we hear is the referees’ body being on the defensive. That fine and the ban is too much,” said Msuku.
Moyale were also fined and suspended from home matches early this season because of violence.
