A Swedish referee suspended for making racist remarks against Guinea international goalkeeper Aly Keita says his career is 'effectively' over.
Speaking to a Swedish newspaper, Martin Strombergsson regretted remarks made to Keita in a top-flight match last year.
Ostersunds skipper Keita said last month the referee told him "to shut up and go back into his goal so bananas could be thrown at him."
"I need to find a new employer in the future," said the 43-year-old official.
This was the Fifa referee's response to the fact that he has been suspended for the rest of the season, which is only six weeks old.
He is yet to officially hear whether his career as a referee is over but his suspension lasts until the end of his current contract.
Stromgbergsson's punishment was announced on Friday by the referee's committee of the Swedish Football Federation (SVFF).
"Martin Strombergsson insists that he had no racist intentions with what he said," noted Peter Ekstrom, chairman of the committee.
"We have no reason to doubt this, but still consider it to be a very inappropriate statement, and it must be obvious that it can be perceived as offensive."
The decision was backed by Hakan Sjotrand, the SVFF's Secretary General.
"I completely share the Judiciary Committee's view on the matter," he said. "What has happened is very serious, and is contrary to the values of Swedish football - regardless of the intentions Strombergsson had.
"It feels good that we have thoroughly investigated the incident and talked to everyone involved. It makes us feel secure in our judgment. It is good and important that Aly Keita told about his experience.
"We must dare to talk about these issues in Swedish football."
Latest Stories
-
How technology is weaving African markets into the global fabric
1 min -
Dr. Ekua Ekumah highlights how to cultivate new theatre audience
12 mins -
Zambian FA president charged with money laundering
29 mins -
Mysstel releases video for ‘Paradise’
33 mins -
We are yet to receive an apology from Ashanti Regional Minister – ECG
35 mins -
UEFA International Tournament: Ernest Ofori scores for Black Starlets in defeat to Russia
42 mins -
Cocoa price surge linked to production decline -COCOBOD CEO
47 mins -
Atarah Praise returns on May 19 at Adenta Barrier
48 mins -
World Robotics Championship: 18 pre-tertiary students poised to win medals for Ghana at global competition
52 mins -
Drowned widow was scammed out of $1.5m on dating app hoax, left note about secret ‘double life’
1 hour -
ECG workers threaten to disconnect power from Ashanti Regional Minister’s home
1 hour -
Brain tumour shatters 20-year-old’s dream of becoming a doctor
1 hour -
ICDP Ghana introduces portable ultrasound machines in rural communities
2 hours -
Seven killed in sleep after Ethiopia building collapses
2 hours -
Benjamin Nii Ayi Lartey appointed Head of Legal & Company Secretary at UBA Ghana
2 hours