Following his red card in the 2-1 defeat to Charleroi on Sunday, Kenyan international Joseph Okumu has been fined 3,500 euros (Ksh 417,000) and slapped with a four-game ban but KAA Gent have disputed the suspension.The former Chemelil Sugar defender was pushed by Isaac Mbenza while he attempted to shepherd the ball out for a throw-in and retaliated by shoving Mbenza back which resulted in a red card.KAA Gent coach tears into Okumu after ‘unacceptable’ red cardThe Belgian Disciplinary Committee of Professional Football handed Okumu a four-game ban, three of which are mandatory with one conditional and was also given a hefty Ksh 417,000 fine.Gent released a statement on Monday noting that they will challenge the suspension and fine leveled against Okumu with the hearing set for Tuesday 6 September.“KAA Gent does not agree with the amicable settlement proposal after Joseph Okumu’s red card. The federal prosecutor’s office asks for a suspension of 4 weeks, of which 3 effective and 1 week conditional.🟥 | Carton rouge direct pour Joseph Okumu. 👊😮 #CHAGNT pic.twitter.com/QlbF5FC9Y9— Eleven Sports (FR) (@ElevenSportsBEf) September 4, 2022 In addition, a fine of 3,500 euros is also demanded. Our club has refused this proposal. The file will be discussed on Tuesday, September 6 at the session of the Disciplinary Committee of Professional Football,” read a statement from Gent.The club’s head coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck was furious after his defender’s action as he tore into the defender in his post-match press conference.##NAJAVA_MECA_6614414##The Belgian Disciplinary Committee of Professional Football in their report claimed that Okumu’s action endangered Mbenza as Okumu was well aware of what he was doing.“The voluntary push was carried out with a certain intensity and the physical integrity of the opponent was thereby endangered. Such an attitude never has its place on a football field. Joseph Okumu linked with move to Turkish giantsThe Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office also takes into account the fact that the ball was not close to the facts and that, in other words, this action has nothing to do with the game of football. Incidentally, it cannot be disputed that the action of player Joseph Okumu was intentional. Nor can there be any provocation that would justify such a reaction,” read a statement from the league.
