EXCLUSIVE

By Tivy-Side reporter

Football fans have expressed their shock over a three-year suspension handed down to a local club manager for alleged comments on Facebook.

As well as the ban, Steve Jerry Williams, manager of Costcutter Ceredigion League club St Dogmaels, has also been fined £500 by the Central Wales Football Association.

The association also handed down fines for brothers Jason and Adam Williams of the club’s first team in connection with the same issue.

A former talented player locally and in the Welsh League, the 43-year-old manager has lodged an appeal which is to be considered by the Football Association of Wales and in the meantime all parties say it would be inappropriate to comment until conclusion of the matter.

It is understood that although Williams did not reveal any names on Facebook it was alleged he made comments relating to a referee officiating at an end of season Costcutter Division One game.

Although those involved are staying tight-lipped a large number of St Dogmaels supporters have expressed astonishment at what they say is excessive punishment.

Saints fan John Evans said: “Luis Suarez of Uruguay was given a four-month suspension during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on the left shoulder.

“Is it possible that football big wigs believe that giving an opinion is far worse than biting someone?” he asked.

And Terry Williams said: “Surely it is the duty of authorities such as the Central Wales FA to promote football and encourage more people to get involved, but this is bureaucracy gone mad and will do absolutely nothing to help the sport.”

A spokesperson at FAW headquarters in Cardiff said: “We do not comment on impending tribunals.”