Sports
Heartland’s Coach Hits Out At Nigerian Referees
Heartland coach, Ludewjk de Kruif has launched a withering blast at Nigerian referees, claiming that their actions do not allow away teams to win in the league.
Heartland lost 1-0 Sunshine Stars recently on the back of a heavily disputable penalty that left the Dutchman fuming.
“In Nigeria, the home team always wins and the away loses. The referees do not help the game,” De Kruif said. “With this kind of officiating, the football cannot improve.”
Heartland should have had a penalty when a Sunshine Stars player handled in the box, but the referee dismissed their appeal.
However, when Heartland’s Emmaunel Olowo and Sunshine Star’s Dele Olorundare tangled innocuously in the box, referee Sylvester Okobi pointed to the spot, to the dismay of the Heartland side.
Godfrey Oboabuna duly put away the spot kick to hand Sunshine Stars the victory.