MANILA – Ceres Negros will have to survive its two-leg AFC Cup Zonal finals campaign against Singapore’s Home United without Spanish striker Bienvenido Marañon.
Marañon was meted with a two-match suspension by the Asian Football Confederation “for the use of abusive language and gestures, along with bringing the game into disrepute.”
Marañon violated the AFC Disciplinary Code’s Article 47.1.6, or using offensive, insulting or abusive language and or gestures; Article 48.1.3, or the sanction for serious infringements punishable by an expulsion in at least one match; and Article 50.1, or bringing the game into disrepute, the AFC website stated.
Aside from the suspension, the 32-year-old forward was also fined with $1,000.
Another similar violation from Marañon will be dealt with even more severe punishment, the AFC said.
Marañon committed these violations during Ceres’ two-leg zonal semifinal game against Yangon United FC at the Thuwanna Youth Training Centre Stadium in Myanmar.
“I was a bit frustrated with my defender (from Yangon Myanmar) for tailing me all throughout the game,” Marañon said. “What I did was just call him to join me in celebrating after I scored a goal.”
In Marañon’s absence, Ceres will have to contend with other midfielders Mike and Manuel Ott, Kevin Ingreso, Paul Mulders, Jose Elmer Porteria, and Stephan Schrock.
Ceres will defend its AFC Cup Zonal finals title against Home United on Aug. 1 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City and Aug. 8 at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore./PN
