Goalie banned for one year over deadly tackle

Agus Rohman, the Indonesian goalkeeper whose horror tackle led to the death of another player, has been hit with a one-year ban from football-related activities by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).

The PSAP Sigli player kicked Persiraja striker Akli Fairuz in the stomach during an Indonesian Premier League match on May 10, causing Akli to suffer from internal injuries and a burst bladder which led to his death on May 16.

Despite Agus expressing remorse over the incident and claiming it was unintentional, the PSSI disciplinary committee investigating the matter felt that it should not have happened.

In quotes published on the Asean Football Federation website, disciplinary committee chairman Hinca Pandjaitan said: “There were six steps which Agus took when he chased after the ball.

"He raised his legs up to the midriff at a time when the assistant referee had already blown the whistle for off side, which means that the accident should not have taken place.

“Agus should not have raised his legs so high when the ball is already on the ground - that is already a technical foul.”

Tragedy

The tragic incident has attracted the attention of international media and even moved local footballers to act.

A friendly match organised by former Singapore international goalkeeper Shahri Rahimon on Sunday, involving 50 players at the Jalan Besar Stadium, raised $3,100 for Akli's family.

Sources: AFF official website, ST