The Disciplinary Committee of the Iraqi Football Association issued a series of disciplinary decisions today, Thursday, following the events that accompanied the capital derby between Al-Shorta and Al-Zawraa in the 28th round of the Iraqi Stars League, which ended with the 'Nawras' winning 2-1 at Al-Shaab Stadium.

The committee decided to suspend Mahmoud Al-Mawas, a player for Al-Shorta Club, for two official matches and fined him five million Iraqi dinars for his gesture towards Al-Zawraa fans after the match ended.

According to the match referee's report and the match observer, Al-Mawas made a gesture considered provocative to Al-Zawraa fans while leaving the field, which violates the disciplinary and sports conduct regulations adopted by the Iraqi Federation. The committee confirmed that the penalty came after reviewing official reports and video clips of the incident.

Al-Mawas's absence will be impactful for Al-Shorta, as the team will miss him in the anticipated match tomorrow against Al-Karma at Al-Karma Stadium in the 29th round, in addition to the 30th round match, to return to participation starting from the 31st round.

In the same context, the Disciplinary Committee imposed a financial fine of ten million Iraqi dinars on Al-Zawraa Club, to be paid due to inappropriate chants from part of its fans during the derby against Al-Shorta.

The committee indicated in its decision details that the chants included phrases that were unsportsmanlike and directed against the opposing team's players, which was documented in the security coordinator's report and the match observer. It called on Al-Zawraa's management to educate its fans and control the stands in upcoming matches to avoid harsher penalties that could include playing without fans.

The decision to suspend Al-Mawas hits Al-Shorta twice in one week, after the 2-1 field loss to Al-Zawraa, and now the loss of one of its key offensive elements at a crucial time in the league. The 'Green Harp' is competing for the title and occupies second place with 59 points, and any new stumble could end its hopes of catching up with the leading Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.

For its part, Al-Shorta's management has not yet issued any official comment on the suspension decision, while sources close to the club indicate that the management is considering filing an appeal to reduce the penalty to one match, especially since the player was not sent off during the match.

As for Al-Zawraa's management, it received the financial fine calmly, with its confirmation of respecting the Disciplinary Committee's decisions and working on launching awareness campaigns for the club's fans before upcoming matches.