Southeast Asia Malaysia

JDT goalkeeper’s ban reduced to eight months following appeal to AFC

Johor Darul Ta’zim goalkeeper Farizal Marlias has had his thwelve-month suspension reduced to eight months by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after a successful appeal.

Farizal had been suspended for a total of one year games after he was sent off for violent conduct following his aggressive behaviour after JDT were knocked out of the AFC Cup by Philippines’ Ceres Negros in May.

The 31-year-old Malaysian international was also fined US$40,000 for his protest using his fists to push Fu Ming in the chest after the Chinese referee awarded Ceres a controversial late penalty.

“In the appeal of Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) player Mohd Farizal Bin Marlias, the Committee confirmed the twelve-month match suspension from Asian football and USD40,000 fine imposed,” read an official statement from the AFC.

“However, it suspended four months for a probationary period of one year.

“If Farizal is expelled for violent conduct in any official match during the probationary period, the suspended sanction will be automatically invoked.”

Farizal’s twelve-month ban initially scheduled to run to June 9, 2018, but with this reduction he could return to the pitch from February 9 next year.