Three Sher-e-Jalandhar players banned

In a strict measure to curb indiscipline, the Indian Hockey Federation on Wednesday slapped a three-year ban on forward Tejbir Singh and goalkeepers Kamaldeep Singh and Maninder Singh for "unruly and disgraceful behaviour" during the Premier Hockey League final.

These players are banned from taking part in any international and domestic tournaments during the period.

They were also permanently debarred from participating in the PHL.

"The Disciplinary Committee of the IHF having considered the report and recommendations submitted by the tournament director (Shakeel Quereshi) on the unruly and disgraceful behaviour by particular members of Sher-e-Jalandhar has decided to impose the punishment," Federation secretary K Jothikumaran said in a statement on Wednesday.

Earlier, as immediate punitive action, the prize-money of Sher-e-Jalandhar was slashed by 50 per cent after some of their players physically assaulted umpire Satinder Sharma while protesting a penalty-corner goal by opponents Orissa Steelers.

The third of the best-of-three finals of the PHL witnessed the unsavoury incident which forced play to be halted for nearly 25 minutes.

An angry Satinder left the pitch in protest and reserve umpire Suresh Bhatia conducted the rest of the match. Orissa Steelers emerged winners 4-3.

While a life ban from the PHL would prevent the players from taking part in the most lucrative annual events of the country, the three-year ban from domestic and international competitions would also spell doom to their career.

Tejbir and Kamaldeep are employed with the ONGC while Maninder works with Punjab and Sind Bank.