Diredawa Ketema coach Yitagesu Endale banned for nine games

Photo Credit: Diredawa Ketema

The Ethiopian Premier League Share Company has suspended Diredawa Ketema head coach Yitagesu Endale for nine games, leaving the relegation-threatened team in a dilemma. Endale will not be able to lead his charges from the dugout starting from the Week 27 fixture against Ethiopian Coffee on Thursday, May 1.

Endale was sent off for dissent during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Ethio-Electric in a rescheduled Week 25 fixture. The decision to ban the former Adama Ketema trainer came after match officials reported that Endale was guilty of insulting match referee Tewodros Mitiku.

The report claimed Endale went near the referees' changing room and ridiculed the match officials, resulting in an automatic nine-game ban and a fine of 15,000 Birr ($115 USD). The decision was strongly condemned by the Easterners' fans.

FIFA-accredited referee Mitiku is once again at the center of attention this season. The referee was previously sent home for a few weeks after a debacle in handling the Sheger Derby between bitter rivals Saint George and Ethiopian Coffee in Adama.

The league had previously handed a lengthy ban to Ethiopian Insurance coach Gebremedhin Haile, citing improper conduct two seasons ago. This is the first time the league has imposed a heavy fine on a top flight coach.

The suspension means Endale will only be available to lead his team in the final round of the league when Dire Dawa Ketema visits Wolayta Dicha. Dire Dawa Ketema are 13th with 29 points, only two points ahead of the four-team drop zone.