A footballer in Algeria has been handed a one-year suspension after assaulting a referee during a second-division match, in an incident that has prompted swift disciplinary action from the authorities.
The assault took place during the 17th matchday fixture between JS Tixraine and WA Tlemcen, where Algerian international referee Ghada Mahat was violently attacked by a player on the pitch.
The incident occurred a few days ago and drew immediate attention due to its seriousness.
The Disciplinary Committee of the National Amateur Football League (LNFA) has since imposed a heavy punishment on the offender, Ghali Zerargua Younes of JS Tixraine.
The 30-year-old striker has been suspended from all football-related activity for a period of one year and fined 100,000 Algerian dinars.
According to the ruling, the sanction takes immediate effect, meaning the player will be barred from participating in any official matches for the duration of the suspension.
The decision reflects the gravity with which the league has treated the incident, particularly given the nature of the assault on a match official.
Referees play a central role in maintaining order and fairness during matches, and attacks on officials are considered among the most serious breaches of sporting discipline.
The LNFA’s decision signals a firm stance against violence and misconduct within Algerian football, especially at the domestic league level.
The match between JS Tixraine and WA Tlemcen was halted following the incident, which overshadowed the sporting contest and shifted focus to issues of player conduct and referee protection.
While disciplinary cases are not uncommon in competitive football, physical attacks on referees remain rare and widely condemned.
By imposing both a lengthy suspension and a financial penalty, the LNFA has sought to underline the consequences of such behaviour and deter similar incidents in the future.
The case has also reignited discussions around player discipline and respect for officials across the league.
JS Tixraine will now be without the services of the striker for the remainder of the season and beyond, as the suspension rules him out of competitive action for an entire year.
The club has not publicly commented on the disciplinary decision.
As Algerian football continues its domestic campaigns, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding discipline and ensuring the safety of referees at all levels of the game.
