Karki´s career as footballer took a different turn after he faced a year ban when he manhandled referee Madhusudan Khanal during their (Three Star´s) match against Boys Union Club in the first edition of the British Gurkha Cup held last year. [break]
Following the incident, All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) slapped on him a year ban in any football match conducted by ANFA and other organizations affiliated with it.
Karki had attacked referee soon after the match finished in 1-1 tie. He was promptly shown the red card and the decision to impose a year ban came the next day. Karki who was in the training for the 11th South Asian Games (SAG) was automatically thrown out of the training after the ban. Karki is the product of ANFA academy.
"I experienced what could be more frustrating for a footballer than watching football match from the parapet" said the repentant Karki, adding, "The incident taught me a good lesson and I will never repeat such an act in future."
Karki now openly accepts that his conduct was a result of his losing temper. "Though I had to remain away from the ground, I was unable to erase football from my mind. I was involved in a business with my brother during the time I was forced to stay away from the football ground. But I finally decided to leave it to my brother and play football again."
Karki´s ban ended on December 25, but he watched his side Three Star defend the title of the British Gurkha Cup on the day from the parapet as a spectator.
Karki wishes to play again from Three Star. "Three Star is my first choice, but I will decide about it in a few days," Karki said, "Other clubs have approached me with an offer to play for them."
While he barred from playing in the country, Karki played from Three Star in the 32nd All India Governor´s Gold Cup held in Sikkim November this year.
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