The Wau Local Football Association (WLFA) in South Sudan has banned two Al-Hali FC players from playing in the local league because they insulted and physically attacked a female referee during a game.
Sezarina Gabriel, a notable female referee in Wau who oversaw the match between Al-Tadamun FC and Al-Hali FC on Sunday, was attacked after she cautioned the footballers about rough play and sent one of them off after many offences.
Four additional Al-Hali FC players were also suspended for three years for openly using derogatory and racist language at the referee and supporting their teammates who assaulted her.
Hassan Ali, the head coach of Al-Hali FC, has been barred from participating in any athletic activity until he stands before a disciplinary commission. He was accused of encouraging his team to keep playing after the attack.
According to WLFA secretary-general John Baptist Abakar, his organisation has zero tolerance for any type of discrimination, unfair behaviour, or wrongdoing in the local league.
