Kolkata: East Bengal striker Jobby Justin and Aizawl FC defender Kareem Omolaja were Tuesday handed interim suspensions till at least March 3 for an ugly spat during the 1-1 draw in an I-League clash here.
Jobby was suspended for spitting on Kareem after the latter hacked him down with a rough tackle in the 68th minute. The Nigerian was punished for dissent and involvement in a brawl later with East Bengal’s Spanish player Borja Gomez.
Kareem was first booked for his challenge on Jobby and later sent off for dissent in the 70th minute when the teams were locked 1-1.
“We have video evidence of Jobby spitting. He has been showcaused. He will remain suspended till the time the AIFF disciplinary committee meets March 3,” I-League CEO Sunando Dhar said.
“Kareem was also given the same punishment for dissent,” he added.
Justin, East Bengal’s top scorer with nine goals, will now miss the crunch game against fellow title contenders Real Kashmir FC Thursday in New Delhi and next match against defending champions Minerva Punjab FC, March 3.
Kareem will also miss at least one game for relegation threatened Aizawl against fellow stragglers Gokulam Kerala FC Thursday.
IANS