Iraqi football player who 'attacked referee' has two-year play ban reduced

Iraqi football player who 'attacked referee' has two-year play ban reduced
Ibrahim Bayesh was initially given a two-year suspension for attacking a referee after he was sent off during an Iraqi Premier League match earlier this month.
2 min read
28 April, 2023
Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya midfielder Ibrahim Bayesh was suspended for ten matches [Getty]

Iraq's Football Association appeals committee decided on Thursday to reduce a two-year ban it gave a national team player earlier this month for attacking a referee.

Ibrahim Bayesh will now serve a 10-match suspension instead, The New Arab’s Arabic-language sister site Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported.

He will also have to pay a fine of 20 million Iraqi dinars ($15,000).

The Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Air Force club) midfielder assaulted referee Muhannad Qassem after being sent off during an Iraqi Premier League match against Al-Kahraba on 9 April. Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya were defeated 3-2 and lost their top spot in the league.

When shown a red card after a second bookable offence, Bayesh ran towards the referee and tried to attack him, the Iraqi Football Federation said.

He also threatened, insulted, and mocked the referee, the federation said.

Hammadi Ahmed, a member of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya's administrative board, was also penalised by the federation for his behaviour at the game, where he pushed and verbally assaulted refereeing staff.

Fans also rioted after the match.

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Following the incident, the federation barred the club's fans from attending the next three home games.

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