Syrian FA bans Ahmad Al-Saleh for life

Former national captain Ahmed Al-Saleh was given a lifetime suspension from football by the Syrian Football Association after he “kicked, insulted, and spit on” a referee.

After receiving a red card in a top-flight match against Al-Wathba on Friday, the 33-year-old Al-Jaish defender yelled at the referee.

Players from both teams had to restrain Al-Saleh.

Al-Saleh and Al-Jaish were also fined by the SFA disciplinary committee; they are unable to contest the sanctions.

After the game, according to the SFA, Al-Saleh persisted in disparaging the referee in the locker room.