Yambio football player assaulting a referee. (Photo: Courtesy).

Yambio Local Football Association has penalized and suspended a football player for two years after he assaulted a referee in the capital of Western Equatoria State.

Al Salam FC player, Simon James attacked referee Samen Makawa after he was sent off for misconduct during a match on Sunday.

The player reportedly attacked the central referee, after he was awarded a red card upon recommendation of the assistant referee.

“After the assistant referee reported to the central referee, the player was awarded with the red card. After being awarded, the player instead went on to fighting,” said Elias Kumbo Mukasi, Secretary General of the state football association.

The referee suffered an ankle injury and was admitted to the hospital.

Following the incident, the state football-governing body issued a statement suspending the player from all sports-related activities – including training with his teammates for a period of two years.

“He is suspended for two years and that two years, he should not participate in any football activities including training. Even he is not allowed to enter into any playing fields of any team,” Kumbo said.

Simon has also been fined with a sum of SSP 18,000 as a medical refund to the assaulted referee.

According to the association, the penalty is in accordance with the country’s football code of conduct and regulations.

The violent incident is the second of its kind in one month.

In November this year, a female referee was assaulted by a player in Wau town of Western Bahr el Ghazal.

The player was expelled and five of his teammates and the coach were all suspended for two years.