By Desmond Tunde Coker
The Central One Football Association (COFA) has indefinitely suspended the Bambara Town Community Football Team following a series of disciplinary infractions during their match against Fourah Bay Community in the ongoing COFA Inter-Community Champions League. The decision, announced by COFA’s Emergency Disciplinary Committee, has generated mixed reactions, with some residents of Bambara Town calling the ruling unjust and vowing to appeal.
Incident During Match
The match, held on September 12, 2024, ended in chaos following a disputed penalty decision by the referee in the 67th minute. The game, which had remained goalless, saw Bambara Town’s players, officials, and supporters react strongly to the referee’s decision, resulting in a violent disruption that led to the match being abandoned.
According to reports from the referee and match commissioner, Bambara Town players assaulted the officiating team. Specifically, player Alpha Conteh, wearing jersey number 3, allegedly slapped the center referee, while head coach Mr. Evera and other substitutes also reportedly attacked match officials. Additionally, supporters damaged several facilities at the venue, including the perimeter fence, VIP booths, and goalpost nets.
COFA’s Ruling
Following the incident, COFA’s Disciplinary Committee reviewed video and photographic evidence, concluding that Bambara Town had violated several of the association’s rules. The committee cited Articles 27.1, 27.3, 27.4, 19.1(d), and 18.3 of COFA’s regulations, which address misconduct, interference in matches, and responsibility for the actions of players and supporters.
In its ruling, the Committee issued the following sanctions:
- The match was awarded to Fourah Bay Community, along with three points and two goals.
- Bambara Town was fined 10,000 Leones.
- The team was suspended indefinitely from all COFA-organized competitions.
- Player Alpha Conteh was suspended for one season from COFA competitions.
- Head coach Mr. Evera was suspended indefinitely from all COFA competitions.
The ruling emphasized the seriousness of the infractions, particularly the physical assault on referees and the destruction of property, as factors in the decision.
Reactions from Bambara Town
The decision has sparked strong reactions from Bambara Town residents, many of whom feel the ruling was unfair. They argue that the match’s outcome was influenced by poor officiating and expressed frustration with what they perceive as a pattern of biased decisions against their community in previous seasons.
Speaking on behalf of the community, senior member Mohamed K. Turay stated, “We feel this decision is unfair and full of malice. We will appeal it and pursue legal action if necessary.”
Despite the suspension, Bambara Town received gate proceeds from the match, totaling 16,960 Leones.
Looking Forward
The case has cast a spotlight on the broader issue of referee decisions and fan conduct in local football tournaments. COFA’s disciplinary measures were designed to uphold the integrity of the league and deter future misconduct, but Bambara Town’s possible appeal or legal action could extend the dispute.
COFA officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring discipline and fair play in the competition, stating that any appeals will be considered in line with the association’s established procedures.
As both sides prepare for the next steps, the football community awaits further developments in what could be a significant test for COFA’s governance and disciplinary framework.