The Disciplinary Sub-Committee (DSC) has recently considered three separate red card incidents that have led to lengthy bans for the players involved. Details have been posted on the website for clarity to Yau Yee League teams.
Incident 1: Five-match ban – elbowing an opponent/second red card offence
Having reviewed the reports from both teams and from the referee, the DSC concluded that the subject player committed an act of violent conduct in elbowing an opponent.
Under Disciplinary Guideline 4 of the League Rules, the minimum penalty for such conduct is a further two-match suspension in addition to the automatic one-match suspension for receiving a red card. However, this was the second red card that the subject player had received during the 2011/12 season, for which he is subject under DG4 to a minimum of a three-match ban and a fine of HK$1,000.
Given that there were no aggravating factors to explain the conduct in question, the DSC concluded that the player should be subject to the following penalties:
1. A five-match ban
2. A fine of HK$1,000.
3. 3x disciplinary points
The DSC reminded the Team Representatives that this was the second red card in the same season for the subject player and warned that if he is involved in any further disciplinary issues he may face even more severe penalties.

Incident 2: Six-match ban – kicking a prostrate opponent
Based on the reports from the referee and both teams, the DSC concluded that the subject player was guilty of serious violent conduct in kicking an opponent in the back when the opponent was already on the ground. This incident occurred during a quarrel between the two teams. The DSC viewed this as a very serious offence and similar cases have drawn heavy penalties in the past.
In light of this, the player was subject to the following penalties:
1. A six-match ban
2. A fine of HK$1,000
3. 3x disciplinary points.
The team in question was also subject to an additional fine of HK$500 for not identifying the subject player’s name in full, as required under the League Rules and reiterated in numerous website reminders.

Incident 3: Six-match ban – verbal and physical assault of the referee
Having reviewed the reports from both teams and from the referee, the DSC concluded that the subject player committed an act of verbal assault towards the referee followed by throwing an object that hit the referee. The offence was classified as a serious physical assault to the match official.
Under Disciplinary Guideline 4 of the League Rules, the minimum penalty for verbal assault is a further one-match suspension in addition to the automatic suspension for receiving a red card and a fine of HK$500; the penalty for physical abuse could be a suspension between three years and a lifetime ban.
Given that there were no aggravating factors in relation to the conduct in question, but taking into account the reports, the player was subject to the following penalties:
1. A six-match ban
2. A fine of HK$1,000.
3. 3x disciplinary points