Following the decision by the Uganda Premier League secretariat to ban Police FC Coach Abdallah Mubiru for two matches and also fine him Ugx. 300,000, the gaffer has questioned the decision.
The decision to punish the tactician stems from his side’s 2-2 draw with KCCA at Namboole on Tuesday where he was sent off the bench by referee Mashood Ssali and allegedly physically attacked the man in black at halftime as the teams retreated to change rooms.
“Match Officials’ Reports indicate that during AUPL match #174 Police FC Vs KCCA FC played on Friday, 31st March 2017 at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole), Police FC Head Coach Abdallah Mubiru physically attacked the referee Mr. Mashood Ssali as he entered the dressing room at halftime…..” read part of the statement signed by League CEO, Bernard Bainamani.
“This followed his earlier send off from the technical bench in the 32nd minute of the game for persistently insulting the referee,” it added before quoting the rules.
Article 30(2) & (3) of the FUFA Competitions Rules 2016/17 provides that, ‘A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of; violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behavior.’
Pursuant to the above article, Mr Abdallah Mubiru has been given a two match touchline ban for AUPL matches with immediate effect. In addition, he has been fined 300UAs (Shs300.000) payable to the UPL Secretariat before returning to the technical bench.
The Club is hereby advised to prevail itself over their coach in regard to such improper behavior.
However, Mubiru thinks the decision to punish him without offering chance to hear from him shows a lot of bias.
“It’s a pity if they can make such decision by listening to just one party,” he said. “First, did they ask the official why he sent me off? I never abused him but protested a decision and I have a right to,” he added.
The former Proline, KCCA and Vipers coach who is the reigning chairman of the UPL Coaches Association also denies physically battling Ssali as alleged in his report.
First, he wrongly sent me off so in the tunnel, I tried to confront him asking him to explain his decision but never assaulted him. Did UPL ask him why he sent me off?”
The two match touchline ban starts on Friday when the 2005 champions visit Kirinya Jinja SS at Kakindu with his assistant, John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda expected to be in charge.