Giwa FC defender, Nojeem Raji has confirmed that he will appeal the fines and suspension, imposed on him by the League Management Company (LMC).
Raji and Amos Gyang were sent off during the botched Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash between Giwa and Nasarawa United, which led to their team leaving the pitch.
An LMC statement in the aftermath read: “For assaulting a ball boy, Gyang was charged for breach of article C1 for violent conduct amounting to misconduct, contrary to the principles of sportsmanship and capable of bringing the league to disrepute.
“On the second charge of breach of article C8, he was charged for refusal to retire to the dressing room after being sent off the match by the Referee. He was fined N50, 000 on the first count and suspended for two matches on the second count.
“Raji was banned for six matches for breach of article C1 of the Framework and Rules of the Nigeria Professional Football League which cited him for failing to show respect for the decision of the Referee, when he punched the Referee in the face amid protests by his team mates. He was thus cited for conduct contrary to the principle of sportsmanship and capable of bringing the League to disrepute.
“On the second charge, Raji was cited for breach of article C8 of the Framework and Rules of the Nigeria Professional Football League, for refusing to leave the field of play after he was issued with a red card and sent off by the Referee. He was therefore suspended for two matches.”
Giwa were handed the punishment of “deduction of three points and forfeiture of three points and three goals” and also fined N3million.
“I’m going to appeal the ban, I want the LMC to hear my side of the story,” Raji told supersport.com
“I didn’t strike the referee as alleged. In fact, I was the one using my big body frame to shield the referee when my team mates were remonstrating to him about some decisions he made.
“I don’t begrudge the red card but I’m surprised it was reported that I slapped him. I have never done such in my career and won’t do it.
“I know the LMC to be a credible organisation and they will give me a listening ear to say my own side of the story. I will definitely appeal the ban.”
Gyang also said he will appeal the decision by the LMC.
“I will definitely appeal my case and prove my innocence. The game in Lafia was a tough one. When I was sent off I couldn’t go to the dressing room,” he told supersport.com.
“The truth is the path to the dressing room was even blocked so there was no way I could have gone there. I was also afraid of going into the dressing room because of the tension in the stadium.
“Anything can happen from there. I just felt safe to stay within where my team mates and the security can see me.
“Can I also add I didn’t slap the ball boy? It was a funny scene really. We got a free-kick but a Nasarawa United player booted the ball out. I ran to him to get the ball but he held it firmly.
“I had to option but to hit the ball out of his hand so we can get on with the game but to my surprise he fell and acted like I shot him.
“I’m sorry for the sending off and all but the circumstances around that time made me decide to play safe and stay where I can be seen. I hope the LMC will listen to my side of the story.”
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