APR coach risks Ferwafa ban over violent misconduct

Rwanda Football Association (Ferwafa) has launched an investigation into the clash involving APR assistant coach Vincent Mashami, striker Michel Ndahinduka and referee Issa Kagabo following APR’s 1-0 loss to Espoir last Wednesday in Rusizi. Kagabo, who is among the top referees in the country handed a straight red card to assistant captain Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza, a decision that riled the army side’s camp especially assistant coach Vincent Mashami. At full time, Mashami tried to confront referee Kagabo but the confrontation led to clashes with Police officers and an exchange of words thereafter. According to Ferwafa spokesman Moussa Hakizimana, the Ferwafa disciplinary committee met with officials from APR, Espoir, the match commissioner, referees and also took information from Police on Monday. By press time yesterday, the Ferwafa disciplinary committee was yet to announce their findings and punishment for the guilty parties. APR secretary general Adolphe Camarade Kalisa revealed that the club is undertaking its own investigation and will take necessary action when the truth has been revealed. He said, “I was not at the game myself because I was unwell but we have opened an investigation into the incident that happened in Rusizi last week and we shall communicate the findings.” Mashami risks a six month ban from football if he is found guilty of violent misconduct against the referee. Last year on February 3, former APR coach Andreas Spier was sent to the stands by match referee Hudu Munyemana for consistently arguing with fourth official Francois Xavier Ngarambe during the goalless draw against AS Kigali in a topflight league encounter at the Kigali regional stadium. The German tactician threw his green bib to the ground and walked to the stands in the presence of top APR officials including Maj. Gen. Jack Musemakweli, Maj. Gen. Alex Kagame and Lt Gen Fred Ibingira who interpreted the scenario as an act of indiscipline that is unacceptable and misrepresents the club. Piers was handed a five-match ban but he resigned 10 days later. In April last year, former Rayon Sports coach Luc Eymael and Cedric Amissi tried to rudely question match referee Gervais Munyanziza’s decision to add five minutes in injury time as opposed to their preference of eight in what eventually was a 1-1 draw against AS Kigali at Amahoro stadium, a result that eventually saw them lose the title to archrivals APR. Munyanziza handed Amissi a red card and this sparked off a fight from the Blues’ fans who ran onto the pitch throwing stones and plastic bottles. Police intervened and arrested the violent fans. Ferwafa took action and banned Eymael for two years and charged him Rwf200,000 while Amissi was banned for six months and fined Rwf50,000. editorial@newtimes.co.rw