Ghan United assistant coach Mamady Jabateh sacked by FSA despite ban being heavily slashed for post game brawl with Steven Butler

Shocking footage has shown a soccer coach being attacked in a post game brawl, but he’s since been sacked by Football SA, despite his ban being slashed to weeks. See the video.

A soccer coach who tried to save his job after being banned for six years following a chaotic post-game brawl has since been sacked.

Despite being classified by the Appeals Committee as the victim of the melee and having the ban reduced to weeks, Mamady Jabateh, 30, had his role as African co-ordinator terminated by Football South Australia (FSA).

FSA received reports relating to disturbances following the conclusion of the Salisbury Inter and Ghan United HPG State League 2 North Senior Game played on Saturday, May 10.

After an incident on the field between a Ghan United player and a Salisbury Inter player, Jabateh, the assistant coach of Ghan United’s second team, intervened to calm Salisbury supporters who accused the player of diving.

Tensions escalated, with recordings taken by multiple witnesses depicting the chaotic events.

One clip shows Salisbury spectator Steven Shaun Butler yelling “come on” before appearing to push someone.

In another clip, Jabateh is pushed to the ground and grabbed from behind by multiple people.

Mamady Jabateh was thrown to the ground during the melee. Picture: Supplied

Steven Butler can be seen appearing to push someone. Picture: Supplied

Following the incident, FSA said they conducted a thorough investigation and referred the matter to the independent Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, which was held on May 28.

The committee found Butler and Jabateh guilty of participating in a melee, provocation or incitement of hatred or violence and threats of physical violence.

As a result, both men were handed a six year sanction from attending any Football SA match or event, with three of those years suspended.

SAPOL confirmed no criminal charges were laid and Butler did not appeal FSA’s determination.

Mamady Jabateh has since been terminated by Football SA. Photo: Zanta Studio

Steven Butler was handed a minimum three year ban by FSA for the melee following the conclusion of the Salisbury Inter and Ghan United HPG State League 2 North Senior Game played on Saturday, May 10. Photo: Facebook

In his grounds for appeal, Greg Griffin, for Jabateh, said the committee failed to have sufficient regard for the “imminent danger” Butler, who has previously been jailed for horrific domestic violence offences, posed to Jabateh.

He also said a video – which showed Jabateh swinging punches which didn’t connect with anyone – was misleading as it omitted prior provocation and was done so in self defence.

The Appeals Committee heard the appeal last week and substituted Jabateh’s original penalty with a three month ban, of which six weeks were suspended.

In their findings, they said there were errors made by the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, including that they didn’t discriminate in penalty between Jabateh as the victim and the penalty imposed on Butler, “the aggressor”.

The Appeals Committee said while Jabateh was the person being attacked in the melee, he did not disengage from it and attempted to re-enter it.

On that basis, they found there was reasonable basis for the finding of guilt on the participating in a melee charge only, although on a much restricted application of the facts.

Noting that Jabateh had already served two weeks of his ban, this means he will be eligible to attend any Football SA event from July 23.

Despite the heavily reduced sanction, FSA still terminated Jabateh’s employment after the appeal hearing.

“The penalty prohibits Mr Jabateh from being able to fulfil his employment responsibilities,” they said in a statement to the Advertiser.

“Football SA strongly condemns the behaviour following this match which has risked damaging the sport’s public reputation.

“We remain committed to upholding the integrity of the game and fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants.”

Mr Griffin said he has been left “seriously appalled” by FSA’s decision.

Originally published as Ghan United assistant coach Mamady Jabateh sacked by FSA despite ban being heavily slashed for post game brawl with Steven Butler