Eight-match ban for Al Hilal striker

AFC player of the year nominee Nasser Al Shamrani spat in the direction of Wanderers’ opponent in the final.

Al-Shamrani (R) scored 10 goals in the AFC Champions League last season [REUTERS]

AFC player of the year nominee Nasser Al Shamrani has been banned for eight matches for spitting and head butting an opponent after the final of the AFC Champions League earlier this month, Arabic media reported.

The Saudi striker’s ban, the least he could have received after being found guilty, is only for matches in the AFC Champions League, meaning he will be free to represent his country at the Asian Cup in January and his club Al Hilal in domestic competition, the report said.

Yemen’s Hamid Al Shaibani, deputy chairman of the Asian Football Confederation’s disciplinary committee, revealed the ban to the waslnews media portal after a meeting in Manila.

The AFC said the Saudi Arabian Football Association had not been informed of the decision, refusing to confirm or deny the report which comes hours before the 60th anniversary gala dinner in the Filipino capital.

Al Shamrani spat in the direction of Western Sydney Wanderers defender Matthew Spiranovic after his side lost 1-0 on aggregate to the Australians following a goalless draw in Riyadh.

The 31-year-old diminutive forward, second leading scorer in the Champions League with 10 goals last term, was restrained by teammates after jumping to his feet from the floor and storming towards the substitute.

Source: AP