NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 23 – Shabana FC defender Samuel Omondi has been suspended for one year after headbutting the first assistant referee in a National Super League match.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Robert Muthomi said Omondi will not participate in any competition sanctioned by the federation.
Omondi becomes the second player to be banned by FKF over indiscipline after KCB goalkeeper George Opiyo was also handed a one year suspension for assaulting a match official in a National Super League match.
“We are in receipt of the centre referee’s and match Commissioner’s report for match number 41 Modern Coast versus Shabana FC. In the report, the referee stated that during the 83 minute, Shabana FC player Samuel Otieno License number 1257 headbutted the first assistant referee and was sent off for violent conduct,” Muthomi announce on Thursday.
“As such, we have written to the club informing them that Omondi has been suspended for a year for his actions and is barred from participating in any FKF affiliated club or competition,” The CEO said.
Cases of indiscipline are on the rise in the second tier league with the incidence coming three weeks after Opiyo was punished for punching a match official during a National Super League match against Zoo Kericho.
Opiyo was sent off in the 90th minute as his side lost 4-1 to Zoo Kericho after he fouled Kevin Omondi in the 18 yard box.
The suspension saw KCB drop the player who entered into a six month sensitization program agreement with FKF in order to reduce the ban.
“I have learnt from my mistake and I am willing to ensure that no single player goes through what I have witnessed in my career because of something that can be easily avoided,” Opiyo said.