Disciplinary Committee descends on Vipers

Accra, Nov. 10, GNA - The Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has descended heavily on Division One side, Cape Coast Venomous Vipers for the misconducts of their fans, players and officials during their league match against Samreboi Samartex. It would be recalled that fans of Vipers on October 23 after their league game against Samartex assaulted referee J.A.Amenya and assistant referee Ibrahim Ashong, despite winning the game 2-0.

The Committee after its sitting on Tuesday, decided to impose a fine of 6.5 million cedis on the club for the misconduct of their fans, the loss of items by the referee following the attack as well as for the medical expenses of the referees which is to be paid within 21 days. Vipers have also been banned from playing three of their home matches at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium and the Division One League Board is to decide on a home venue for their next league game.

The Committee also banned Mensah Walter, Nathaniel Annan, Joseph Sampson, and Alex Rolla all players of Vipers for 12 months. In addition, Mr J.K. Mensah, Secretary of Vipers is also banned for 12 months whilst Mr J. White, an Executive member of the club also received a ban of six months for bringing the game into disrepute. The Committee added that the officials are banned from accompanying the club for any of their matches.

According to the Committee, the decision was arrived at after a critical study of the case and the evidence adduced before it by all parties and it was established that some officials, supporters and players of Vipers really attacked the referees after the match. A statement signed by Isaac Addo, Secretary to the Committee copied to the GNA Sports said it was also established that the assistant referee two, Ashong collapsed as a result of the attack by the irate fans and players.

The statement said the Committee therefore holds Vipers responsible for the attack on the referees according to article 34 (4) of the GFA regulations.

The Committee has therefore warned the club to deceit from such acts of indiscipline as a repetition of such behaviours would attract severer punishments in future.