United Hockey club player Reece Basson has been suspended for five games by his club, with an additional penalty of community service within the club for striking an umpire last weekend.
But, Border Hockey are yet to hand down their sanction on the player.
The suspension was confirmed by the club’s chairman Lance Casoojee who said the player was “showing remorse and if we were to turn the clock back I am sure he would not do what he did.”
Justifying the community service within the club penalty, in which Basson will be expected to do coaching and umpiring for United 13, Casoojee said they felt that he has “much to offer to the club.”
Said Casoojee: “But that is not to say we condone what he did, he must pay for it but we also cannot isolate him completely.”
Border Hockey president Neil Klaasen said they had made a decision on the appropriate sanction to be imposed on Basson but was unable to divulge details until the sport’s national governing body has given the nod.
“The papers were signed and sent to SA Hockey this morning (Friday) for approval and we expect them to reply by early next week, after which we can release a full statement on the matter” said Klaasen.
Basson was not available for comment as his phone was off but he had earlier this week told the Dispatch that he had in fact just “pushed him (the umpire) in the face”.
But, a video filmed by a spectator, which is currently doing the rounds, shows Basson flooring the umpire with a powerful strike.
In the video Basson, after been sent off, is seen charging at the umpire before dropping him to ground. — Additional reporting by Ross Roche.
Video: Club suspends player for striking umpire
But, Border Hockey are yet to hand down their sanction on the player.
The suspension was confirmed by the club’s chairman Lance Casoojee who said the player was “showing remorse and if we were to turn the clock back I am sure he would not do what he did.”
Justifying the community service within the club penalty, in which Basson will be expected to do coaching and umpiring for United 13, Casoojee said they felt that he has “much to offer to the club.”
Said Casoojee: “But that is not to say we condone what he did, he must pay for it but we also cannot isolate him completely.”
Border Hockey president Neil Klaasen said they had made a decision on the appropriate sanction to be imposed on Basson but was unable to divulge details until the sport’s national governing body has given the nod.
“The papers were signed and sent to SA Hockey this morning (Friday) for approval and we expect them to reply by early next week, after which we can release a full statement on the matter” said Klaasen.
Basson was not available for comment as his phone was off but he had earlier this week told the Dispatch that he had in fact just “pushed him (the umpire) in the face”.
But, a video filmed by a spectator, which is currently doing the rounds, shows Basson flooring the umpire with a powerful strike.
In the video Basson, after been sent off, is seen charging at the umpire before dropping him to ground. — Additional reporting by Ross Roche.
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