In Luganda, there is a saying, “ekuba omunaku tekya” meaning, ” That which rains on the poor (unfortunate), does not stop”

As things stand, this is the case for poor/unfortunate Livingstone as they were hit by yet another misfortune.

Their coach, Jeff Omondi, was fined $150 and suspended for 3 games following his uncalled for behavior, on Monday 21st as Livingstone played the Namuwongo Blazers at YMCA.

Coach Jeff ‘verbally attacked’ the referee, David Opolot, and he was charged with 2 technical, later ejected but had to be restrained, to prevent the situation from escalating further.

We were also surprised to see the referee, David Opolot abandon the game afterwards and had to be replaced by Louis Malinga.

Read: Referee Abandons the game mid-way

Read more: 5 ejected in chaotic game as Namuwongo defeat Livingstone

Why was the coach fined at suspended?

With his actions, the coach violated section 7.01 (b) (ii) which states that;

All participants (Players, Club officials, Federation Officials, fans and
spectators) who have violated FIBA and FUBA rules and regulation
and spirit of fair play and /or who; –

Any player, coach, registered member of a team whether on court
or on the bench throws any object on court or on the sidelines,
walks on court in protest for whatever reason, insults other
participants (players, officials, fans) disrupts the game.

This sanction for this violation is as follows;

Any participant who violates Section 7.01(b)(ii) shall face a fine
of up to US$ 150 or its equivalent in Uganda Shillings and be
suspended for 1-5 games and up to a maximum of 10 games in
case of a repeat offender.

Livingstone has a record of 1-8 and has lost 6 consecutive games.

They have been struggling throughout the season and the last thing you’d want is to be involved in cases of indiscipline.

The Coach has already served 1 of his 3-game suspension as he wasn’t on the sideline as Livingstone fell to the UCU Canons 74-60 on Wednesday, 23rd, at Lugogo.

Livingstone takes on the City Oilers next on 3rd May and will close the first round with a huge game against Sommet.

At the beginning of the season, FUBA promised to suspend coaches and referees.

This is the first case this season and one wonders, how many more shall we be seeing?