ISL 2016: FC Pune City's Ravanan Dharmaraj handed two-match suspension for violent conduct

Mumbai: FC Pune City player Ravanan Dharmaraj has been handed a two-match suspension, aside from a fine of Rs 40,000, for stamping Chennaiyin FC striker Dudu Omagbemi’s leg in an Indian Super League (ISL) match on 23 October.

The infringement by Ravanan during the match played in Pune escaped the match officials’ attention but he was sanctioned under the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Disciplinary Code’s Retrospective Ban provision.

AIFF’s Disciplinary Committee handed the ban on Ravanan ‘for his violent conduct towards opponent’s team member’ during that match on the basis of video evidence of the incident.

Experts said that it could perhaps be the first time a video evidence was relied upon to arrive at a retrospective ban decision.

“FC Pune City player Ravanan Dharmaraj (Jersey No 18) has been sanctioned with a two-match suspension with immediate effect for the Hero Indian Super League 2016. Additionally Ravanan Dharmaraj is fined Rs 40,000,” the ISL said in a statement.

“Ravanan Dharmaraj was found guilty of ‘misconduct against opponents or persons other than match officials’ under AIFF Disciplinary Code Article 49 ‘D’ for his violent conduct towards opponent’s team member during Match 21 of the Hero ISL 2016 (23rd October 2016 vs Chennaiyin FC) at Balewadi, Pune.

“Ravanan Dharmaraj’s action was reviewed under the AIFF Disciplinary Code’s Retrospective Ban which authorises the National Federation Disciplinary Committee to sanction serious infringements which have escaped the match officials’ attention.”

Ravanan will not be available for selection in today’s (3 November) match against FC Goa and 6 November game against Atletico de Kolkata, both at Balewadi Stadium, Pune.