The Sporting BJD footballer player who was given a five-year ban from football-related activities for assaulting a match official last month has had his ban extended to seven-years after a Independent Appeal Committee increased the sanction.
The assault on the referee happened during the North Eastern Football League encounter between Sporting Ballyjamesduff FC and Bay United FC on April 6 in the NEFL clash in Dundalk.
The incident, which was recorded and widely circulated online, showed a player from Sporting BJD assaulting the referee with a kick to the midriff while he was still in the air. The match was abandoned five minutes before full time, with Bay United FC leading 1-0.
In response to the incident, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) clained in April that would impose a five-year ban on the player from all football-related activity.
Following an appeal, the Sporting BJD FC player who assaulted a match official during a North Eastern Football League game last month, has had his ban increased from 5 years to 7.
There can be no place in the game for such behavior towards match officials. pic.twitter.com/IutY2jYxB9— Between the Stripes (@betweenstripes) May 9, 2023
However the FAI's new statement on Tuesday read: "Following a disciplinary hearing held yesterday (Monday, May 8), an Independent Appeal Committee has increased the sanction imposed on a player from Sporting BJD FC for assaulting a match official during a match between Sporting BJD FC and Bay United FC in the North Eastern Football League on April 6, 2023.
"The player had initially been given a five-year ban from all football-related activities by an Independent Disciplinary Committee. However, on appeal, this ban has been increased to a seven-year ban from all football-related activities.
"The FAI acknowledges the decision by the Independent Appeal Committee and wishes to reiterate our zero tolerance approach towards any abuse or threat or act of violence against match officials."
Cavan club Sporting Ballyjamesduff were also hit with a €500 fine and a 10-point deduction following the incident.
