The Disciplinary Committee of the Football Federation of Cambodia has imposed stiff penalties on players and officials from Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng and Ministry of National Defense for an onfield brawl during their league match last week.
Army went on to win the bad-tempered game at Svay Rieng Stadium with an injury time goal that ended a five match losing run.
Based on an extensive report from the referee and footage of the ugly scenes, the panel hit Svay Rieng with a two million riel ($500) fine and ordered the club to play one match behind closed doors.
While five Svay Rieng players, Hoy Phallin, keeper Om Oudom, Sok Samnang, Aim Sovannarath and Sareth Krya, along with assistant coach Soun Thoun, have all been slapped with three-match bans and 500,000 riel fines, Nub Tola received a two-match ban and a 500,000 riel fine, and Soeuy Visal got a four-match ban and a 500,000 riel fine.
Army assistant coach Leng Naring landed a three-match suspension and the same fine.
But the most notable reprimand was that dished out to Army head coach Phea Sopheaktra, who has been issued a stern “final warning letter and a four-match ban”.
The Army players sanctioned by the panel were Yudai Ogawa, handed a one-match ban, and Song Chi-hoon, who received a two-match ban.
Seventh-placed Svay Rieng’s trip to the capital to face high-flying Metfone C-League newcomers Visakha at Western Stadium on Saturday comes on the back of these developments, and the bans handed to key players may well impact on what has already been an inconsistent campaign.
Crown to face Boeung Ket
Visakha have so far shown an ability to hold their own against the best, and they lie third in the table behind Boeung Ket and NagaWorld. The standout game of the day is at RSN Stadium, where hosts Phnom Penh Crown welcome defending champions and league leaders Boeung Ket.
While Boeung Ket’s overseas signings have formed a formidable attacking quartet, six-time champions Crown are going through a transition phase and will look for a positive result against the top side.
While the capital delivers two key matches, the first ever Siem Reap derby should be a great occasion for the locals when Angkor Tiger take on neighbours Soltilo Angkor.
Bottom side Western Phnom Penh are the only team without a point to their name after eight games, and they will be eager to change that at AEU Sports Park when they take on ninth-placed Asia Europe United.
Army will have to put last weekend’s unsavoury incident behind them when they host second bottom Electricite du Cambodge at Old Stadium.
NagaWorld had their unbeaten run ended by Visakha on Saturday and will be hoping for a better show against fourth-placed Commissary of National Police, who have been more steady than spectacular so far this season.