The Algerian Professional Football League (LFP) disciplinary commission has imposed severe sanctions on Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK) after incidents marred their league match against CRB on Tuesday at the 1st November Stadium in Tizi Ouzou. The club has been ordered to play four matches behind closed doors, with the first two against ES Setif (ESS) and AS Aïn M'lila (ASAM) to be played outside Tizi Ouzou, specifically in Béjaïa.
The commission's decision also includes a fine of 200,000 Algerian dinars, equivalent to 20 million centimes. Furthermore, JSK will be deprived of television rights for the match against CRB and must cover the costs of material damages caused within the stadium. The incidents occurred when some JSK supporters invaded the pitch following CRB's third goal, prompting the referee to stop the game 10 minutes before the end of regulation time.
In response to the sanctions, JSK's spokesperson, Mouloud Iboud, stated that the club will appeal the decision and discuss the suspension after preparing for their upcoming Champions League match against Horoya Conakry in Guinea. Iboud expressed concerns that the sanctions will complicate the team's mission, as they will have to play away from their home base.
The Algerian authorities have taken action against individuals involved in the incidents, arresting and placing four people under detention on the eve of the sanctions announcement. Meanwhile, JSK players and staff have been focusing on their upcoming Champions League match, with coach Velud urging them to put the CRB match behind them and concentrate on the Horoya Conakry encounter.
JSK traveled to Conakry, Guinea, on Thursday to prepare for the second leg of their Champions League preliminary match against Horoya Conakry, scheduled for Sunday at 16h. The team had trained in Algiers the previous evening before departing for Conakry. Coach Velud is optimistic about the team's chances, with all players available for selection.
The JSK captain, Bencherifa, and his teammates aim to secure a positive result in the return match and qualify for the group stage of the competition. This would help them bounce back from the disappointing loss to CRB and appease their supporters.
The upcoming match against Horoya Conakry holds significant importance for JSK, as they seek to build on their success in the first leg and advance to the next stage of the Champions League. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as they look to make a strong impression on the continental stage.
Key points
- JSK faces four closed-door matches and a hefty fine following incidents during a league match against CRB.
- The club will appeal the sanctions and discuss the suspension after preparing for their upcoming Champions League match.
- JSK aims to secure a positive result in the return match against Horoya Conakry and qualify for the group stage of the Champions League.
