KUALA LUMPUR: Hothead Mohd Asyraf Azan has landed in hot water again – this time being slapped with a three-month ban by the Professional Squash Association (PSA).
The 26-year-old copped the worldwide ban for unsporting behaviour and verbal abuse with audible obscenity at two tournaments - the Gas City Open in Canada and the Tournament of Champions (TOC) in New York – last month.
The world No. 59 was also fined £200 (RM1,104) with a further suspended £500 fine (RM2,760). He will be required to pay the £500 if he misbehaves again in the subsequent 12 months after the ban.
Last year, Asyraf was kicked out of the elite programme by the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) for indiscipline, bad attitude and poor sportsmanship at the Men’s World Team Championship in France in October, 2013. Then, he refused to shake hands with his opponent – India’s Mahesh Mangaokar – after losing in Malaysia’s 2-0 loss during the seventh placing playoff. The incident was broadcasted on global livestreaming.
“It’s disappointing to see Asyraf being banned for three months. It is tough being an independent player. Hopefully he will take time off to reflect on his actions,” said Christoper Brodie, the SRAM general manager.