Impala, AP Warriors to miss key players due to bans

Impala RFC player Tyson Okoth has been handed a one-match ban following his red card against JKUAT last weekend.

“The Judicial Officer categorized the RED CARD as low-end on the scale of seriousness and having considered aggravating and mitigating circumstances imposed upon the player a one (1) week/match suspension,” reads a statement by Judicial officers.

“Following the R.17.19.10 and in line with the player’s schedule, he will serve a suspension from 14 January 2024. No award was made as to costs,” the ruling further stated.

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According to Okoth, he was in a low position as he attempted to tackle his opponent and the contact with the neck was accidental. He indicated that he had reached out to both the tackled player and his team manager to apologize. He provided some video footage to back his claim. He also showed WhatsApp chats with the TM where he expressed his remorse.

Meanwhile, Administration Police Warriors back row Alvin Nyakeri has been slapped with a three-week suspension following his red card during a match against KCA Sparxx.

The red card was issued in the second half, and as per the referee’s report, the official says he was within five meters of the incident, observing the lead-up to the altercation that led to the red card. Nyakeri, however, argues that he was on the receiving end of a punch rather than the instigator, a claim supported by his representatives.

One representative pointed out that the referee was not close to the incident and needed consultations with a Touch Judge before deciding to issue Nyakeri a red card.

Despite lacking evidence to successfully challenge the referee’s decision, the Judicial Officer concluded that the player’s breach was substantiated.

“The Judicial Officer categorized the red card as low-end on the scale of seriousness and having considered aggravating and mitigating circumstances imposed upon the player a three (3) week/match suspension,” reads part of the judicial reports.

“Following the R.17.19.10 and in line with the player’s schedule, he will serve a suspension from 14 January 2024,” the statement added.