FC Pune City coach Ranko Popovic suspended for abusing match officials

The disciplinary committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) suspended FC Pune City head coach Ranko Popovic with immediate effect. He has been suspended for breaching the disciplinary code with his public comments on referees and match officials. He will remain suspended pending further inquiry on the matter.

Ushanath Banerjee, while reviewing the latest public comments made by Popovic against referee and match officials, issued the sanction order. Banerjee communicated the same to the club as well. 

“Having considered the utterances against the decisions of the referee and the match officials, it prima facie appears that Mr Ranko Popovic has breached the Disciplinary Code and the Law of Game with impunity amounting to gross misconduct,” Banerjee stated. 

This is also Popovic’s third instance of breach of the rules. He was warned and was also held guilty on previous occasions. However, even after several warning the Pune coach didn’t hold back and continued firing abuses at the match officials. Meanwhile, Banerjee further added that Popovic will appear for the hearing on March 16.

“Accordingly, issue show cause notice for repeat breaches and he is to reply within 9/3/2018 and appear for hearing before the Committee on 16th March 2018 at Football House, Delhi. In the meanwhile pending final decision of the Committee, Mr Ranko Popovic to remain suspended under Article 21 and 22 of the Code,” Banerjee further added. 

Pune City FC hosted Bengaluru in the first leg semi-final on Wednesday, which ended in a goalless draw. Pune will now travel to Bangalore for the second leg semi-final which will be played on Sunday (March 11).