The Organising Committee of the Zonal Football Championship, under the chairmanship of Alhagi Mass Axi Gye, the second Vice President of the Gambia Football Association,has handed a substantive fine of D8,000.00 to the Gunjur Zonal team for what they described as the unsporting behaviour of their fans during their semi final tie against Serrekunda East.

This game was played on Thursday December 7, at Serrekunda West Mini-stadium. According to the press release issued by the Football Association, supporters of Gunjur zonal team are alleged to have set fire to burn public properties at the Serrekunda West Mini-Stadium, in addition to making offensive remarks and gestures during the semi final tie in which they lost to the Serekunda East side by 4-2.

The release added that Gunjur will consequently forfeit their consolation prize of D6000.00 to the football association and are urged to pay the remaining D2000.00 on or before Friday December 29, 2006 to ensure their continue participation in future GFA activities.

The Gambia Football Association went ahead to emphasised that unsporting behaviours such as aggressive conduct, insult or abusive remarks as well as arson and malicious damages of public properties have no place in modern day football. Therefore, the release added, “One is expected to adhere to the stipulated regulations governing the competition to ensure a level playground”.

However, Gunjur were the second side to be fined for such actions. It could be recalled that the last year’s champions, Sukuta zone were given a fine of D4000.00 for their alleged role in a bitter brawl that ensured during one of their group matches against Gunjur at Box Bar Mini-stadium.