The St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) has banned Shemorie Baptiste from playing in all football activities sanctioned by the association for 36 months.

And, his club, Greiggs FC, has been slapped with a fine of EC$1,000, and placed on conditional suspension for the remainder of the 2022/23 National Club Championships over the assault on a referee on November, 6.

The decision of the Disciplinary Committee of the SVGFF followed an investigation into the incident at the Chilli Playing Field, on November 6 in a Division 1 match between SV United FC, and Greiggs FC during which match referee, Rohan Primus was physically attacked.

In a release, the Federation said the incident occurred mainly between Shemorie Baptiste, player #2, the person registered on the match card of Greiggs FC, and the match referee.

The five point decision of the Federation’s Disciplinary Committee states that:

1) The Player: is immediately suspended from participating in all of the SVGFF sanctioned football activities for the next 36 months and must participate in all the prescribed remedies of the Disciplinary Committee in order for him to resume his football career.

2) The Club: is fined the sum of EC$1,000 to be paid before their next scheduled game. A Conditional Suspension of the team for the rest of the 2022/23 season of National Club Championships. Any violation by any player or official of Greiggs FC that brings the game into disrepute for the rest of the 2022/23 season will see the immediate enforcement of a ban that will prevent the Club’s participation in SVGFF sanctioned football activities for 12 months.`

3) The Club must submit two members of their club or community to the Referee Association for training.

4) Referee Restitution: The Club shall reimburse all of the Match Referee’s medical expenses.

5) Conflict Resolution: Club must participate in a sanctioned Conflict Resolution intervention over the next six months. The workshop shall be organized through or with the knowledge of the SVGFF.

In its November 11, 2022 edition, SEARCHLIGHT reported that the SVG Referees Association had stated their intention to withdraw their services if another physical attack on referees takes place. The Association had also indicated that it will monitor the situation and was prepared to withdraw the services of its members “if we are dissatisfied with the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings…”

The reported incident of physical assault took place at the Chili Playing Field during the First Division game involving the named teams.

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