Al Wasl goalkeeper banned for 17 matches

A goalkeeper for Diego Maradona's Al Wasl club has been banned for 17 matches after attacking an opposition coach following a 1-0 loss to Al Alhi in the Etisalat Cup semifinals.

The United Arab Emirates Football Association imposed the lengthy ban after Majed Naser slapped Al Alhi coach Quique Sanches Flores on the back of the head following Sunday's defeat.

Al Wasl had already suspended Naser indefinitely. The UAE FA's disciplinary committee subsequently imposed the ban and fined Naser 30,000 dirhams (€6,216, $8,167).

Al Wasl declined comment on the ban but issued a statement condemning the attack, saying "this type of behavior not only damages the reputation of the individual but is also detrimental to the image of the club."