Moroccan football authorities ban and fine Ittihad Tanger goalkeeper Badreddine Abair

Ittihad Tanger goalkeeper Badreddine Abair has been suspended for three matches and fined 10,000 Moroccan dirhams after being punished for attempting to damage the penalty spot during his side’s 1-1 draw against Moghreb Tétouan.

The sanction was handed down by the Central Disciplinary Committee of the National Professional Football League following the incident, which occurred during the second round of the Moroccan Professional League.

Abair attracted attention in the closing stages of the match at the Grand Stadium of Tangier when he attempted to alter the condition of the penalty spot before Moghreb Tétouan took a crucial penalty.

The disciplinary committee considered the goalkeeper’s actions a violation of the regulations and the principles of sportsmanship governing domestic competitions.

The incident occurred at a decisive moment of the encounter, with Moghreb Tétouan awarded a penalty late in the game as both teams battled for the points.

The match eventually ended 1-1, but Abair’s actions became one of the major talking points after the final whistle.

The punishment also extends to Ittihad Tanger, with the club receiving a formal warning and being ordered to repair the damage caused to the pitch as a result of the incident.

The disciplinary action underlines the league authorities’ determination to crack down on conduct that could interfere with the proper execution of a match or compromise the condition of the playing surface.

Abair’s suspension is also notable because it follows a similar disciplinary case involving a Wydad Temara player, suggesting that Moroccan football authorities are taking a firm position against attempts to interfere with penalty kicks by damaging or altering the spot.

The decision has generated debate among Moroccan football supporters on social media, with some fans questioning whether the punishment imposed on Abair was proportionate to the incident.

Nevertheless, the disciplinary committee has maintained its position, handing the Ittihad Tanger goalkeeper a three-match ban and a 10,000-dirham fine over the controversial incident.