Important player: JDT’s Arif Aiman Hanapi (left) will be available for selection when they take on Shandong Taishan.
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have been dealt a blow before the Malaysia Cup round of 16 first-leg tie against Kuala Lumpur Rovers at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium today.
Their star winger Arif Aiman Hanapi was given a three-match suspension by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for violating Article 59 of the FAM disciplinary code, which is offensive conduct and fair play.
The incident happened during their Super League tie at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Nov 10 where Arif and Perak wingback Tommy Mawat Bada were involved in a melee in the 83rd minute.
Both players escaped with a yellow card. JDT won the game 5-0.
It was found that Arif punched Tommy on the left side of the face while Tommy headbutted and grabbed the left side of Arif’s neck.
“Both players were given a stern warning and a heavier punishment will be imposed if the same offence is repeated. This decision can be appealed,” said the FAM statement.
Arif will miss both legs of the Malaysia Cup round of 16 match against Kuala Lumpur Rovers on Nov 20 and 30 and the Super League game against Kuala Lumpur on Dec 8.
The punishment handed out by FAM was indeed a bummer for the Southern Tigers as they requested the national team to release him early to prepare for the cup game and also for the AFC Champions League Elite tie against Shandong Taishan on Nov 26.
The other players from the camp who joined him to return to Johor Baru are rightback Matthew Davies and centreback Feroz Baharuddin.
Arif will miss out on the domestic action but will be available for selection when they take on the Chinese club.
JDT might not have their talisman against the Rovers but the club have back-ups and standouts too such as Brazilian playmaker Heberty Fernandes, young flanker G. Pavithran and experienced winger Mohamadou Sumareh.
