NSL gets tought on indiscipline

OFFICIALS and players involved with Telikom Cup National Soccer League who bring the game into disrepute will be severely dealt with, according to NSL chairman John Kapi-Natto.
Kapi-Natto was speaking in light of the CMSS Tigers and Hekari United game on Saturday, which was halted for several minutes when players from both sides got  involved in a confrontation.
“There is no place for such behaviour in NSL. Those involved will face the full force of law under the by-laws of PNGFA and NSL,” he warned.
He said the disciplinary committee had been set up to look into outstanding issues at PNG Football Association (PNGFA) and NSL level and players involved in Saturday’s pushing and shoving incident would front the committee.
The committee would sit down once the names are forwarded to him.
Kapi-Natto said any players involved in NSL should uphold the highest standard of discipline both on and off-the-field.
“I am concerned about the overall behaviour of our elite players, especially drinking in public places and causing a nuisance. They are not only bringing the game (NSL) into disrepute but they also creating a bad image of their club and sponsors,” he said.
The chairman said he would write to several players to explain why they should not be expelled from the competition this year and also in future.
“The competition is for our players for tomorrow and we need to safeguard the elite competition by not allowing it to go to the dogs,” Kapi-Natto said.
He said the franchise managers would be reminded in no uncertain terms of these unsavoury incidents during their meeting at the end of this month in Port Moresby.
Kapi-Natto stressed that several franchise owners were fed up with paying fines when their players received yellow and red cards during matches.
Yellow cards carry a K250 fine while a K500 applies for a red card.