Club, players fined for violence

JAKARTA (JP): The disciplinary commission of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) announced on Tuesday that Petrokimia Putra of Gresik, East Java, has been fined Rp 5 million (US$520) and given a three-match probation for failing to curb violence during its home match against Persema Manado in the first round of the 2001 Bank Mandiri soccer league on Jan. 28.

PSSI spokesman Eddi Elison said spectators would not be allowed to attend Petrokimia's home match against Putra Samarinda on Feb. 18.

He said two Persema players, M. Ansori and Amin Zakaria, also were sanctioned.

"Both players are banned for two matches and if they receive a red card in the three matches following this, their penalty will automatically be extended. Ansori and Amin also were fined Rp 500,000 each, Ansori for shoving the referee and Zakaria for grabbing the linesman by the neck," he said.

Besides the club and the players, the commission also recommended the referee commission dismiss referee Arif Bulqini.

"Arif Bulqini was not stern enough and he does not understand the league's rules," Eddi said. (ivy)