Canberra Premier League coaches back Capital Football's ban on masked man

The pitch invader, a former referee, marred Cooma's win over Woden-Weston last Saturday. The man ran onto the field wearing a Mexican wrestling mask during the second half and brandished a red card at referee Alex McConachie.

It's understood he was protesting about the mistreatment of match officials.

Capital Football handed the masked pitch invader with a decade-long ban from playing, officiating and attending any matches in Canberra. The governing body is set to push for the ban to become nationwide.

Premier league coaches have applauded Capital Football's swift response to the situation and believe 10-years is an appropriate ban.

"Capital Football to their credit have stepped up and said enough is enough," Belconnen coach Steve Forshaw said.

"Referees have to be able to go on the park knowing they'll be able to come off it safe and well."

Referees threatened to strike on the eve of last season's finals series because they felt Capital Football had failed to deal with abuse towards match officials.

Capital Football launched a review and implemented a strategy designed to stamp out abusive behaviour in January.

Following the incident of the masked man, coaches have raised concerns over how the suspensions are going to be monitored.

"Bringing the game into disrepute has no place in the game of football," Monaro coach Jimmy Kanaridis said.

"Protection of the officials and players are paramount to the integrity of the game. My only concern is at an amateur, regional association is how is this punishment going to be policed?"

NPL ROUND FIVE:

Saturday: Cooma Tigers v Riverina Rhinos at 3pm, Nijong Oval 1.

Sunday: Gungahlin United v Belconnen United at 3pm, AIS Grass Field 2. Canberra v Woden-Weston at 3pm, Deakin Stadium. Canberra Olympic v Monaro Panthers at 3pm, O'Connor Enclosed 1.

Bye: Tuggeranong United.