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Post by jonny on Aug 31, 2012 20:34:11 GMT 8
This a very confusing statement :
1. The PFF Disciplinary Committee sent their report to AFC . Is this only PFF disciplinary Committee verdict and where is AFC verdict ?
2. "However, other parties not involved with the case were handed suspensions. With full respect to the Disciplinary Committee we will be appealing the decision." Why and who ? Mike Limpag wrote that Dan Palami himself and Coach Weiss is suspended because of Matt Hartmann issue !
3. "Please can we request everyone to be respectful in their communications about this and to allow the process to continue until its full conclusion. " He dont want a discussion and publicity about this ?
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Post by locotes on Aug 31, 2012 22:21:36 GMT 8
I agree with Johnny. This statement confuses us instead of clearing things. Who is suspended and why? Any Idea?
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Post by stellarboy on Sept 1, 2012 0:26:31 GMT 8
Azkals meted sanctions over Jalasco complaintFri. Aug. 31, 2012 By Olmin Leyba | The Philippine Star MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Football Federation’s disciplinary committee has cleared Azkals Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy in a “sexual harassment” complaint filed against them by former match commissioner Cristy Ramos, but meted sanctions on the two players and four other members of the team for either “breakdown in discipline” or “failure of leadership.” Ramos took offense in Moy’s “Cup B” remarks and Guirado being in his underwear while she conducted the pre-game inspection for the Azkals versus Malaysia friendly at Rizal last Feb. 29, actions she claimed qualified as “sexual harassment” under Republic Act 7877. “We do not find any grounds upon which to favor her claims as the elements under RA 7877 are absent,” the committee headed by lawyer Enrico Ingles said in the ruling released six months since it began its probe. Still, the disciplinary body suspended Guirado, Moy, and James Younghusband, the team captain that time, for one international game each for “breakdown in discipline.” Also banned for two matches apiece were coach Michael Weiss and team manager Dan Palami while assistant coach Edzel Bracamonte got a one-game sit-out for “failure of leadership.”Denis Wolf, who was supposedly the subject of Moy’s chest size remarks, was likewise reprimanded. Palami said he’s filing a “motion to stay execution of decision pending appeal,” claiming he wasn’t a respondent in the complaint and he wasn’t given due process. “I’ve always been confident there’s no basis for a sexual harassment case. Of course, we’re happy with the decision regarding that matter,” said Palami. “When we saw the decision, though, there were people who were not complained of but meted suspension by the disciplinary committee. So the decision is being partially appealed insofar as the penalties imposed on those who weren’t parties is concerned,” he added. The Azkals are set to play a series of friendlies next week as part of their buildup for the AFF Suzuki Cup and they are asking that the penalized parties be allowed to take part pending appeal with the PFF appeals committee. www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=844081&publicationSubCategoryId=69&keyword=sp_football
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Post by macduff on Sept 1, 2012 11:09:18 GMT 8
To suggest that the PFF Discipline Committee is a kanersgaroo court would be an insult to kangaroos. What is going through their heads when they decide to punish people who have not been notified of any charges or accusations against them, or given an oppurtunity to defend themselves? I am shocked that people would so little regard for basic concepts of procedural fairness and due process are actually entrusted with the responsibility for making discipline decisions that affect players, coaches, and managers at the international level. I thought the decision to ban Hartmann from club play was bizarre. This decision is startling in its ignorance. The President should request the resignations of the all members of the Committee who participated in this farce. They are clearly unfit for the task.
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Post by jonny on Sept 1, 2012 14:27:30 GMT 8
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Disciplinary Committee has cleared Azkals players Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy of sexual harassment in the complaint by former Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Cristy Ramos, but they and 4 others got sanctions for disciplinary and leadership issues. According to Azkals team manager Dan Palami, the Disciplinary Committee found no evidence of sexual harassment on the part of Guirado and Moy. “It is to the relief of the team and the management that such a serious charge has been found to be without foundation but this is no surprise to us,” said Palami in a statement. However, Palami said the committee handed suspensions on “other parties not involved with the case.” Palami did not mention the names of those who were suspended. “With full respect to the Disciplinary Committee, we will be appealing the decision,” he said. However, the Philippine Star reported Saturday that although Guirado and Moy were cleared of sexual harassment, they were suspended for one international game each for "breakdown in discipline." Also suspended for the same offense is James Younghusband, who was team captain when the incident happened, the broadsheet said. The Philippine Star also reported that Azkals coach Michael Weiss and team manager Dan Palami were suspended for 2 matches each for "failure of leadership." Assistant coach Edzel Bracamonte was meted a one-game suspension. The newspaper said Dennis Wolf was reprimanded. www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/08/31/12/azkals-players-cleared-sexual-harassment
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Post by stellarboy on Sept 1, 2012 21:17:13 GMT 8
Cristy Ramos ‘disgusted’ by dismissal of sexual harassment charges vs AzkalsNews5 · Saturday, September 1, 2012 · 4:37 pm Former Philippine Olympic Committee president Cristy Ramos has denounced the decision of the Philippine Football Federation Disciplinary Committee clearing members of the Philippine national men’s football team against sexual harassment charges she filed last March. Ramos, who claimed that she was sexually harassed by Azkals members Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy in their locker room before their match, said that although she has not read decision of the disciplinary committee, the verdict only proves that the PFF “tolerates disrespectful behavior.” “This decision says only one thing: they don’t care about the behavior and character of the players,” Ramos said in a News5 interview. “I’m truly disappointed and disgusted on the decision.” Ramos added that through her complaint, she also wants to clear the image of the Azkals, who represent the country in international competitions. “You know what, they carry the flag of the country. They should have respect and proper behavior while in (other) countries and in front of match officials,” Ramos said. “It is a matter of protecting the integrity of the sport of football. If they allow the ‘bastusan’ to go on, that’s their choice.” Ramos also believes that the length of time it took for the committee to come up with a decision- six months – also influenced the verdict against her. “I filed the complaint last March and this is August,” Ramos said. “I feel that the PFF took a cowardly approach to the matter and let this drag for some time.” Ramos added that the disciplinary committee does not have at least one female member. When asked about possibly appealing the decision, she didn’t answer directly. “The PFF has the disciplinary committee, they don’t have the ethics committee or the appeals committee,” Ramos said. The disciplinary committee, headed by lawyer Enrico Ingles, functions independently from the PFF. Last March, Ramos filed charges against Moy and Guirado, both of whom, she claimed, sexually harassed her while conducting a locker room check as a match commissioner before their game against Malaysia last March. In a statement released Friday night, Azkals manager Dan Palami said that the PFF disciplinary committee has found no evidence regarding Ramos’ complaint. www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/cristy-ramos-disgusted-by-dismissal-of-sexual-harassment-charges-vs-azkals
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Post by stellarboy on Sept 1, 2012 21:36:22 GMT 8
Worst case scenario I am observing:
Should Cristy Ramos appeal the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, she can pressure FIFA and the AFC to overturn the PFF's decision and file for a "writ of amparo" to either to the Supreme Court or to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for the "judicial review of the constitutionality and legality" of the Disciplinary Committee's decision if it reflects Philippine law and the governing laws of FIFA. She can also ask for a large monetary amount for moral and legal damages charged to the accused.
Should this happen, I believe Ramos wants to impose collateral damage towards Moy and Guirado, removing them from the pool, which will "disband" the national team (not really totally, though), drain the federation of resources by having its funds paid for damages, and literally humiliate everyone involved with the organization. We will be back to square-one if this is done.
I pray this won't happen. I know the justice system is very slow in the Philippines but I am hoping that nothing serious would happen.
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Post by stellarboy on Sept 1, 2012 22:29:03 GMT 8
Bonnie Ladrido's take on the issue: IN RE: COMPLAINT OF CRISTINA RAMOS Against Lexton Moy and Angel GuiradoPosted by criticaleye2 ⋅ September 1, 2012 ⋅ Leave a Comment Pursuant to the instructions of the Chairperson of the PFF Disciplinary Committee you are hereby directed to submit, within 72 hours from your receipt hereof, your sworn statements stating what you personally observed during the Philippine Team check conducted by Match Officials (Cristina Ramos & [name withheld]) and LOC Liaison Officer [name withheld] at the Philippine team dug-out, and immediately thereafter.MAKATI – This was the first paragraph of the NOTICE/ORDER I received late on March 9th earlier this year in RE: COMPLAINT OF CRISTINA RAMOS Against Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado. This is my personal reflection over the allegations of sexual harassment levied by Cristy Ramos. Before I continue on, I would like to make clear the following: This does not reflect any official position by the Philippine Football Federation nor of its management; This is not meant to minimize nor deflect the seriousness of the allegations of Ms. Ramos as well as her right to seek redress for her grievances; and, This based solely on the information that I know. It is indeed a sad state of affairs that we find ourselves in with this set of circumstances. While sad, I also feel a sense of anger and dismay at how this reflects on the game that we love. Ms. Ramos was the match commissioner for the Philippines – Malaysia International “A” Friendly Match. She was originally appointed by the PFF to be the General Coordinator of the match but when the original match commissioner begged off, Ms. Ramos volunteered to be match commissioner. As the match commissioner is the official representative of the AFC and FIFA, her appointment had to be cleared with both AFC and the Football Association of Malaysia. Match commissioners are typically from a neutral country but for friendly matches, the assignment of a match commissioner from the host country can be requested. I first found out about this incident when Ms. Ramos verbally related to me her observations which she subsequently detailed in her letter of complaint addressed to the Asian Football Confederation. This conversation happened at the match commissioner’s room after the Philippines vs. Malaysia match. I have to admit, at this point, that I may not fully appreciated the substance of her grievance. As other people present in the room can attest, this was partly because her verbal narration of the incident focused on the lack of discipline and respect by members of the National Men’s Team during the pre-match inspection that she conducted. There was never any mention of the phrase – “sexual harassment” which Ms. Ramos subsequently includes in her formal complaint. Nevertheless, focusing on what I knew was proper protocol, I asked her to document her allegations in her match commissioner’s report and provide the PFF with a complaint so that it could be acted on. On March 1st, the day after the match, PFF President Nonong Araneta was approached by Ms. Ramos at the Fellowship and Unity night event at the Turf a BGC. Ms. Ramos reiterated her complaint which now took on a more ominous color because it had now been elevated to one of sexual harassment relative to the prior characterization of the incident as one of the lack of discipline and respect. On March 2nd at around 10 am, I was cc’d on an email from Ms. Ramos addressed to the AFC which contained her formal complaint alleging sexual harassment. I was also informed that PFF General Secretary Atty. Roland Tulay had arranged for a meeting that afternoon between Ms. Ramos, Mr. Araneta, National Team Manager Dan Palami and himself. The purpose was to hear out Ms. Ramos and inform her of the steps that the PFF was doing to investigate and address her complaint. At the meeting, Ms. Ramos was informed that even without guidance from AFC (to which she formally addressed her complaint to), the PFF would proactively forward her complaint to the head of the PFF Disciplinary Committee. She was repeatedly assured that there would be no “whitewash” (her words) in the conduct of the investigation. For Ms. Ramos’ part, she said she wanted a public apology from the players who were the subject of her complaint. She also asked that she again be appointed as match commissioner for the next men’s national team match in the country so she could “discipline” the players herself. She also mentioned at the meeting that she had already brought to the attention of the media, specifically Bandera and DZSR, her allegations. On March 4th, the PFF Disciplinary Committee, which is a body independent of the PFF, assumed jurisdiction over the complaint based on the grounds that …”(a) the incident involved Philippine personalities; and, (b) the incident happened in the Philippines…”. On March 5th, the PFF Disciplinary Committee sent out notices/orders to 7 individuals to shed light on the event in the form of sworn statements. The list of individuals included players, team management members and match officials. On March 9th, the Committee further sent notices/orders to 4 more individuals including team and match officials. These sworn statements were received by the Committee between March 8th and 23rd. On April 18th, the Committee finally received the official complaint of Ms. Ramos which was dated March 11th. Two days later, Ms. Ramos was furnished copies of the sworn statements of 9 of the 11 individuals who had responded to the notice/order by the Committee. Ms. Ramos was directed to submit her consolidated reply on April 27th or a week after she was furnished the responses to her complaint. On April 27th, Ms. Ramos sent a written request to the Disciplinary Committee asking for more time to submit her consolidated reply. She asked that she be given until May 5th to submit this, a request that was granted. Ms. Ramos never sent her reply. On May 14th, the Disciplinary Committee served notice that given the failure of Ms. Ramos to submit her reply, the case was deemed submitted for resolution. I learned of the decision last night. Press reports quote Ms. Ramos as saying that she is “disgusted” by the decision. Comments also attributed to Ms. Ramos say that the length of time it took for the decision to come out worked against her favor. Of course, as with many things, this is all relative. It could be taken as a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation. A quick resolution opens you up to charges of “railroading”. Taking a while to decide opens you to allegations that something is being covered up. Compared to how the Philippine judicial system works, this decision took a nanosecond. Ms. Ramos probably didn’t help move things along by delaying the submission of her formal complaint over a month and a half after the incident which is the object of her complaint. She did ask for an extension for the submission of her reply to the counter-affidavits, which is well within her rights and which she was granted. A reply which the Committee waited for in vain. Contrary to what Ms. Ramos stated, there is an Appeals Committee to which she can ask for reconsideration of the case. To those who have been paying attention, the Committee is headed by former Comelec Commissioner Atty. Gregorio “Goyo” Larrazabal. This Committee has been active this year having disposed of the Hartmann case and the Springdale (Cebu) case. I do hope that Ms. Ramos, who talks about following protocol all the time, walks the talk and files an appeal in the proper forum which is this Committee so that her serious allegations are given their due course one way or another. There will probably never be a sense of finality for all of the participants for this sad episode but the court of public opinion is probably not the proper forum for this case. criticaleye2.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/in-re-complaint-of-cristina-ramos-against-lexton-moy-and-angel-guirado/
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Post by dingodile5 on Sept 3, 2012 0:02:29 GMT 8
PFF accepts sanctions on Azkals, wants to move on from sexual harassment issueKarl Decena, InterAKTV · Sunday, September 2, 2012 · 4:33 pm The Philippine Football Federation wants to move on from the sexual harassment issue involving Azkals Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado, who were both cleared of charges filed by Cristy Ramos last March. PFF president Mariano Araneta said on Sunday that he respects the verdict of the Disciplinary Committee, which functions independently from the federation. “We just have to move on. We just have to learn from that episode,” Araneta said at the PhilSports Complex where he served as a keynote speaker during the 1GoalforPeace football event that kicked off the National Peace Consciousness Month this September. Moy and Guirado were both handed with one-game bans from international matches for “breakdown in discipline,” while Denis Wolf also got a warning. Azkals team manager Dan Palami and coach Hans Michael Weiss were both suspended for two games, while assistant coach Edzel Bracamonte and James Younghusband, who served as the team captain during the incident, were banned for one game each due to “failure of leadership.” Araneta disagreed with Ramos’ claim that the dismissal of her complaint only proved that the PFF “tolerates disrespectful behavior.” “Hindi namin tinotolerate yun. Actually, may sanctions nga e,” Araneta said, referring to the suspensions. The Azkals will be missing the suspended personalities in some of their upcoming matches against Cambodia on September 5, Singapore on September 7, and Laos on September 10. Araneta added that Ramos could still appeal the case if she wants to. Palami already said he will be appealing the sanctions on him and the other Azkals player and officials involve. “Kung may mga parties na involved na hindi sang-ayon sa desisyon, may appeals committee naman e,” Araneta said. “May grievance machinery naman para tugunan ang reklamo.” www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/pff-accepts-sanctions-on-azkals-wants-to-move-on-from-sexual-harassment-issue
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Post by Caz on Sept 4, 2012 2:10:55 GMT 8
The PFF disciplinary committee has a history of giving harsh punishments. But as much as I hate to see the team weakened at such a crucial time (upcoming international friendlies), I think things were dealt with correctly. First things first, in the description of the incident from all parties involved, in my opinion, there was never ever any sexual harassment, technically speaking. I believe Cristy Ramos is a smart lady and she knew what she was doing when she started throwing the term around the media circles. However, I do agree that as a match official she may have been disrespected. The situation called for proper decorum. As for the suspensions, yes they're harsh and they come at a horrible time. Really, Cristy Ramos herself may not realize that she'd won a small yet significant victory. But is the punishment just for the crime? The players involved were given suspensions. I have no problem with that. James was reprimanded for failing to discipline his troops as team captain. Okay, fine. Weiss and Palami? Weird but yes, the buck stops somewhere when the national team is concerned. Now players will think twice before being disrespectful. Their actions might have consequences far higher up the ladder than they'd realize. Message received. However, only football fans would understand just how severe these suspensions are for the Azkals. So Cristy Ramos may continue to complain by spewing to public media, "1-2 match suspensions?! Yun lang?!" The non-football acquainted would agree with her too. And of course, she can always appeal. So perhaps the drama isn't over.
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Post by Wiking on Sept 4, 2012 11:22:11 GMT 8
Here's is Mike Limpag's reaction to the "verdict". He raises some good points too. Read on... Limpag: Decision, derision, confusionBy: Mike T. Limpag - twitter: @mikelimpag Mon. Sep. 03, 2012 I REALLY don’t know why Cristy Ramos is blasting the PFF Disciplinary Committee’s decision on her sexual harassment complaint against Lexton Moy and Angel Aldeguer because even if the committee threw out her complaint, she won. “Sexual harassment,” as we were instructed to say in our talks with students during women’s month in college,”is not about sex, but power. Who had power over whom?” As the match commissioner, she had power over the players, so I guess that’s why the committee’s head, Atty. Enrico Ingles, said in his decision, “We do not find any grounds upon which to favor her claims as the elements under RA 7877 are absent.” And--this is why I think Cristy won in this round--despite saying that, the committee still suspended Moy, Aldeguer, James Younghusband and Denis Wolf for one international game for “breakdown in discipline in the locker room.” And, there’s more, Dan Palami and Michael Weiss got a two-match ban for failure of leadership, while Edzel Bracamonte got one. Moy mentioned the “Cup B” comment, Aldeguer reportedly made his best bench model imitation, while James was the captain who “failed to control” his teammates. Wolf owned the boobs that elicited the Cup B comment. I don’t know what Bracamonte’s fault is but Dan and coach Weiss missed the pre-match inspection, because, I learned, they were called for an inspection of the pitch due to the heavy rains. The sexual harassment complaint was thrown out but it’s like someone with a bruised ego suing somebody for libel after hearing whispers, only to be told by a judge, “No, there’s no libel, but let’s jail them for a month.” By the way, Cristy complained about the length of time it took the PFF to decide on the matter, and I sympathized with her, until I read a timeline of the events in Bonnie Ladrido’s blog. On March 2, the PFF met Cristy, and on March 5, seven folks were told to air their sides, four days later, PFF asked four more to air their comment. The PFF received their replies between March 8 and 23. On April 18, PFF received a Cristy’s official complaint that was dated March 11, and on April 27, she got copies of the statement of the 11 individuals, and was given a week to respond. A week later, she requested for an extension until May 5, but never submitted her reply. The committee waited for nine more days before telling her, her failure to reply meant the case was “submitted for resolution,” which, of course, took more time. It was a long shot, and like how long shots go, she didn’t get it. But she got them punished. Now, where does that leave the team? They have friendlies next week and will the suspensions be in effect? In his statement, Dan said they’ve asked for a delay in the execution, pending appeal. But that’s only his side. Will that be granted? Or will we be seeing new faces on the Azkals bench in the friendlies? As to the players, Cristy said she filed the complaint because she wants them to be more respectful of officials and be mindful that they represent the country. Though I’d never judge a team in any sport by the way it behaves in the minutes before a match—everyone’s got a different way of handling jitters—I have a feeling this episode will lead to a more official-friendly atmosphere. As for Dan and Coach Weiss, whose leadership has been questioned? I think the AFC Challenge Cup bronze medal tells you what kind of leaders they are, not their absence in the pre-match inspection. Call it blind loyalty if you will, I just don’t think the guy who saved Philippine football deserves a ban, and certainly not for failure of leadership. We wouldn’t have the Azkals if he failed as a leader. www.pinoyfootball.com/articles/11101184/Limpag-Decision-derision-confusion
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Post by dingodile5 on Sept 4, 2012 23:50:46 GMT 8
RT @goyolarrazabal: Weiss, Palami and Younghusband have filed an appeal with the Appeals Committee.
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Post by cebujames on Sept 5, 2012 0:22:43 GMT 8
wag nyong iboto si Cristy Ramos sa next elections! disgusting!
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Post by stellarboy on Sept 5, 2012 10:16:30 GMT 8
PFF Disciplinary Committee suspends LOC member Ritchie Gannaban from involving with international football for 1 month for "failure to make his account" over the Feb 29 incident. A just sanction or plain sabotage?
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Post by stellarboy on Sept 7, 2012 0:36:38 GMT 8
Unfair to Cristy[/color] SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin Henson The Philippine Star Updated September 07, 2012 12:00 AM 0 comment to this post It took the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) disciplinary committee six months to decide what to do with Asian Football Confederation (AFC) match commissioner Cristy Ramos’ complaint of sexual harassment against Azkal players Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy. When the decision was finally handed down, there were penalties meted out on individuals not cited by Ramos. Curiously, Ramos never filed a complaint to the PFF. She went straight to AFC disciplinary committee chairman Lim Kia Tong. But while the complaint was made before the AFC, PFF president Nonong Araneta said the local organization had jurisdiction over the case. “The AFC agreed with our position on the matter of jurisdiction,” Araneta told The STAR yesterday. Considering the six-month period, the PFF certainly took its sweet time acting on the issue. Deliberating for half a year on such a clear case of absence of malice smacks of a lackadaisical attitude. It’s unfair to Ramos, a former POC president. She deserved a prompt reaction, whether favorable or not. To keep her in suspense for six months was unjust. The PFF disciplinary committee itself should be sanctioned for dragging its feet in deciding on Ramos’ complaint. At least, the PFF disciplinary committee headed by Enrico Ingles was right in clearing Guirado and Moy of sexual harassment charges. Ramos accused Guirado and Moy of “sexist and demeaning behavior” when she faced them in the lockerroom before the Azkals’ game against Malaysia at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last Feb. 29. Ramos alleged that Guirado wore only briefs and Moy spoke about her bra size in her presence. She interpreted their behavior as sexual harassment. * * * * Ramos’ accusation was publicized in the popular Spanish sports newspaper “Marca” which trumpeted the news of Guirado’s “sexual harassment” in a two-layer headline. “Marca” took an interest in Guirado’s case because he was born in Spain and is half-Spanish. Guirado’s parents in Spain were in anguish after reading the newspaper story. His Filipina mother broke down in tears. Guirado later claimed he wore his No. 12 playing shorts without a shirt when Ramos called on him to confirm his attendance. He denied wearing only briefs as Ramos insisted. As for Moy, he said he was teasing a teammate for his pectoral muscles and swore he made no reference to Ramos’ bra size. There seemed to be misinterpretation on both counts. After the match, Ramos never mentioned the lockerroom incident to Azkal team manager Dan Palami. Ramos filed the complaint when the Azkals were abroad playing Nepal and never gave the accused players a chance to explain themselves in a face-to-face confrontation. A week ago, the PFF disciplinary committee slapped one-game suspensions on Guirado and Moy. It also suspended team captain James Younghusband a game for the “breakdown in discipline” in the lockerroom on the basis of command responsibility. Assistant coach Edzel Bracamonte took a one-game suspension for “failure of leadership” since he was in the lockerroom. Player Denis Wolf was reprimanded presumably for joking around with Moy in Ramos’ presence while Palami and coach Michael Weiss were levied two-game suspensions for “failure of leadership.” Palami and Weiss were not in the lockerroom when Ramos visited as they were at the pitch inspecting playing conditions. Younghusband, Bracamonte, Wolf, Palami and Weiss were included in the sentence even as they were never charged by Ramos. Obviously, the PFF disciplinary committee made its own investigation and determined culpability. Was this a case of overkill or trying to show the AFC that the PFF has teeth to bite at the expense of innocent parties? The assumption is the PFF disciplinary committee sanctioned Younghusband, Bracamonte and Wolf for not showing respect to Ramos and Palami and Weiss for their absence in the lockerroom. You wonder if that is substantive basis for suspension. * * * * Now comes the ironic twist. After the PFF disciplinary committee had the audacity to report on its long overdue decision, another PFF body – the appeals committee – has suspended the suspensions of Weiss, Palami and Younghusband to allow their participation in the Azkals’ game against Cambodia the other day. A hearing has been set on Sept. 14 to take up the case of the suspended suspensions. It is not known if Weiss, Palami and Younghusband appealed their suspensions or if the appeals committee did it in their behalf considering all three were in Cambodia. Whatever the circumstances, the PFF is in a laughable situation for announcing the suspensions then backtracking. This case has been blown out of proportion not by media but by the PFF itself. Ramos’ complaint had no basis in the first place and should’ve been ignored or dismissed right off the bat. She deserved a prompt reaction, not a six-month wait for a decision that was later partially recalled on appeal. Note that Ramos was promised an independent investigation by the PFF last March 1. In announcing its decision, the PFF disciplinary committee spoke of failure of leadership. The PFF should prove there is none at its end. www.philstar.com/thedeanscorner/columnscontent.aspx?articleid=846200&publicationsubcategoryid=69
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