The Syrian Football Association has banned Al-Jaish defender, Ahmed Al-Saleh for life after he kicked, insulted and spat on a referee.

The former Syria national team captain was sent off after lashing out at the referee in the game against Al-Wathba on Friday.

The 33-year-old had to be restrained from further attacking the referee by players from both sides.

Al-Saleh continued to insult the referee after the match in the dressing room.

In addition to the ban, Al-Saleh was fined 1.5 million Syrian pounds ($597) and his Al-Jaish club fined 3 million pounds for their fans’ repeated insults to the referee.

All penalties are final and not subject to appeals the Syrian FA said.

Al-Wathba beat Al-Jaish 1-0 in the top-of-the-table clash and lead the Syrian top flight by a single point.

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