PERSIPURA JAYAPURA TO APPEAL

Persipura was caught in a controversy at the half hour mark of the final of the Copa Dji Sam Soe this year when referee Purwanto denied Persipura a penalty for what seemed to be a handball committed by Sriwijaya defender Joel Jacques Tsimi inside the box.

The incident sparked protests from the Persipura players for which Purwanto then flashed the red card on Ernest Jeremiah which in turn led Boaz Solossa to stage the walk-out.

The score at the time of the controversy was 1-0 in favour of Sriwijaya following a header from Anoure Richard Obiora in the 51st minute and where following the walk-out, referee Purwanto then awarded a comprehensive 4-0 to Sriwijaya.

Apart from the ban on the club, imports Ernest Jeremiah and Alberto Goncalves have been banned for three years as well as being slapped a fine of Rp100 (USD 10,200) and Rp150 (USD15,200)

Persipura have also been asked to return the match fee and other contributions they have picked up for the duration of the Copa Dji Sae Soe 2009.

Persipura official MR Kambu was also banned from all football activities for two years and fined Rp100 juta (USD 10,200).

For the lack of security during the final match, the local organisers were also fined Rp50 juta (USD 5,000).

“Our decisions are base on the guidelines of the competition of Copa Dji Sam Soe,“ said Hinca Panjaitan, the chairman of the PSSI Disciplinary Committee.

Usman Fakaubun, the secretary of Persipura said: “We will be sending the letter of appeal within these few days to PSSI.“

“We have no problem with the sanctions but to make us return the money is unfair as we have used them for our travelling expenses for the duration of the Copa Dji Sam Soe.”