Heart of Lions Head Coach, Bashir Hayford has been handed a five-match suspension by the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC) for his unsportsmanlike behavior towards match officials.
The incident occurred during the team’s Gameweek seven (7) clash with Karela United at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, where Hayford allegedly hurled verbal abuse at the referees.
In addition to the suspension, Hayford has been slapped with a GHC 5,000 fine and warned that any further misconduct will result in even harsher penalties.
The development means Hayford will be sidelined for the team’s upcoming fixtures against Berekum Chelsea, Accra Lions, Legon Cities, Samartex, and Basake Holy Stars, and won’t return to the touchline until Heart of Lions’ December 24 match against Young Apostles.
Earlier in the season, Bashir Hayford was slapped with a GHC 3,000 fine for similar misconduct after a game between Aduana FC and Heart of Lions.
Below is the full ruling from the GFA:
Bashir Hayford has been banned for 5 matches by the Disciplinary Committee for unsporting behavior towards match officials during the Match Day 7 Ghana Premier League game between Karela United and Heart of Lions at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.
He was found guilty of verbally abusing the match officials during the said game.
Hayford has also been fined GHC 5,000 and has received a warning that any further misconduct will result in more severe sanctions.
