PSSI is tired of 'Pacho' Rubio

JAKARTA (JP): Chilean striker Francisco Javier Rodriguez Rubio, who currently plays for Arema Malang, is to be banned from playing in the national league, a top soccer official has said.

"Having looked at his performances since the Bank Mandiri national soccer league kicked off last year, we note that he has failed to act as a professional in his behavior and actions. This is not beneficial for Indonesian soccer," Andi Darussalam Tabusala, the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) official in charge of disciplinary commission, said on Monday.

"So this morning, we have recommended PSSI chairman Agum Gumelar ban him from playing in the national league," Darussalam said on Monday. He said Rubio, whose nickname is Pacho, was seen hitting Persikota player Simamo A. Basile in the changing room after Arema's 3-0 defeat by Pelita Solo last Thursday. Persikota tied 1-1 with Persija to enter the semifinals.

"This is a lesson for foreigners who join local soccer clubs to watch their behavior," he added. (ivy)