KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) star Arif Aiman Hanapi and Perak's Tommy Mawat Bada were today each given a three-match ban by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) for offensive conduct during the Super League clash on Nov 12.
The ugly incident unfolded during the second half at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, where both players aggressively confronted each other, resulting in yellow cards from the referee.
During the incident, Arif Aiman, a three-time M-League Most Valuable Player (MVP), punched Tommy on the left side of his face.
Tommy retaliated with a headbutt and grabbed Arif Aiman by the neck.
Both players were charged under Article 59 of the FAM disciplinary code for offensive conduct and fair play.
The suspensions, handed down by the FAM disciplinary committee chaired by Datuk Baljit Singh Sidhu, mean Arif Aiman will miss the Malaysia Cup last-16 ties against KL Rovers on Nov 20 and Nov 30, as well as the Super League fixture against KL City on Dec 8.
Tommy will sit out the Malaysia Cup matches against Kelantan Darul Naim (KDN) on Nov 22 and Nov 30, along with the Super League clash against Kedah on Dec 4.
The disciplinary committee issued a stern warning to both players, cautioning them that repeat offences would result in harsher penalties.
The committee also said both players can appeal the decision to reduce their bans.