The Organising Committee of the Zonal Football Championship, under the chairmanship of Alhagi Mass Axi Gye, has imposed a substantive fine of D4000.000 on the Sukuta zonal team as a punishment for the team’s role in the ‘crowd trouble’ that ensued in their game against Gunjur on Friday at the Brikama mini-stadium. The committee also awarded three points and two goals to Sukuta’s opponent, Gunjur.

A press release issued by the Organising Committee last night revealed that the Sukuta side are urged to pay the fine on or before Friday, December 1, 2006 if they want to ensure their participation in the championship.

“It is important to note that the tournament is organised to promote and encourage grassroot participation in association football and in the spirit of fair play and as the defending champions. You are urged to school your footballers and supporters on the importance of the rules governing the tournament for them to be in their best behaviour at all times,” the release stated.

Gunjur were leading the defending champions, Sukuta 2-1 when the match was abandoned owing to crowd trouble.