Lovers of Naija made football in Nigeria and diaspora wish to appreciate the frantic effort of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, the League Management Company, LMC for their quick dispense of justice against Plateau United in Match Day 1 of Nigeria Professional Football League and particularly the leadership of Nigerian Referee Association, NRA for the job well done.
We are delighted to say that the Nigerian Referees have been performing brilliantly since the inception of 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League. The results of Match Day 3 across 8 centres have been so impressive with 4 home wins , 3 away draw and 1 away win, with18 goals scored.
We however like to express our displeasure over the unruly behavior against the centre referee, Mr Bethel Nwanesi of Imo state where he was attacked and hit by irate fans.This persistent action of insecurity by State F.A and Club Owners is increasingly becoming embarrassing in Nigerian Leagues and thus puts a sour taste in our mouths every week
We also acknowledge the receipt of a release by Media Officer of Remo Stars, Mr Oladimeji Oshode where he claimed that his team had a beautiful goal scored disallowed at 88′ by the arbiters from Imo state.
In reactions, the above named members have this to say against the usual banishment and fines by the league management company:
“The penalty should go beyond playing behind close doors, changing venue, and deducting three points and three goals.The State FA should be penalized too”
*Muyideen Awe*
“Wawu! This is becoming a regular thing for the brave Referees. I think erring teams should be sanctioned heavily this time!”
*Joy Agatha*
“While I sympathise with the referee, I want to state it without equivocation that this is going to be the WORST and most dirtiest league we will have in this country.
The decision to end the league the way it ended last season is a trap that will consume our league.
But as our people say, crises are but money making ventures for the elders.
More referees will be beaten and if care is not taking, NRA might boycott league matches this season because there will be a time banishment and fines cannot and will not deter or curb the menace. Abridged league is dangerously disastrous and 8 teams going on relegation will make referees richer, LMC officials more wealthier and all that.
It is also most likely that this league will not end till August. I have my facts…”
*Amaechi Agbo*
“I am laughing in French.Am glad people are getting to understand the rot in our league more, day by day”
*Ex International*
*Beat Nigerian Referee, pay a fine and barnished to other venues is just same of the same”
“It should be beat a referee, lose a six points and get state F.A suspended for two years”
*Abubakar Mallami*
“Sunday, the club will not…they know the TRUTH…
Five years ban was recommended for a referee who errs, how many years ban was recommended for any club where referees are assaulted, harassed and almost killed… Until we separate the LMC from the NFF we might still be facing these…
I know the leadership of the NRA won’t take this lying down.
This happened bcos the fine is too soft. What is #5million to Remo stars?
Outright relegation to the nationwide league division 3 would have been the best option to cub this rubbish…”
*Chukwudi James*
“I agree with you there sir.
Live matches would have saved us all these brouhaha….
But putting Nigerian league matches live on television has been like solving rocket science to our ogas at the top(NFF/LMC)…..”
*Barrister Kelechi Nweke*
In view of the foregoing, we write to appeal to the league management Company to investigate those behind this dastardly act and bring them to book.
It’s glaring for the blind to see that the punitive measures adopted by LMC to Volatile nenues is no longer effective and thus making our league looks like abattoir for killing referees ditto team officials, we humbly advise LMC to call for emergency meeting where they would address this ugly and demarketable activities in Nigerian leagues with following consideration:
Chairman, Ogun State F.A, *Mr Ganiyu Majekodunmi* should be suspended with immediate effect for failure to provide adequate security to the referees in and out of the stadium.
6 points deductions from Remo Stars FC
Banishment of Remo Stars to the North Eastern part of the country from Match Day 5
10 match ban to the CEO, Remo Stars, Mr Kunle Soname to enable him educate his supporters on global best practices.
Minimum of #10M damages to the erring Club
Withdrawal of Remo Stars from the elite division if such occurrence repeats itself.
Lastly,we write to applaud and support the leadership of Nigeria Referee Association for sticking to the sacrosanct of not posting referees to volatile venues like Ogun and Plateau States. This is a welcome development!
Thank you sincerely
Signed:
*Sunday Agunbiade*
For League Followers
