‘Referees, Cause Of Football Violence’

The Chairman, Security Committee of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Chief Effiong Johnson,  has criticised some Nigerian referees officiating in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) and Nigeria National League (NNL).

In an online statement late last week, Johnson described the performance of some of the referees as ”shameful” and blamed them for the increasing cases of violence in Nigeria football.

The chairman’s comments came shortly after an NNL Division C match between Akwa Starlets of Uyo and Gray International at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar last Wednesday.

The match was won by Akwa Starlets through a 93rd minute strike from left-full-back, Nicholas Joseph.

“The result should have been different but for the ineptitude of the match officials who through their poor officiating gave victory away to the away team.

“The officiating was very poor. Nigerians can now see the reason why violence occurs in our stadia. Our referees are no doubt the major cause.

“The officiating was terrible. If referees do what is right, supporters will not be pushed to commit violence.”

“The game drew lots of anxiety and tension. The centre referee Ukaegbu Jonathan from Abia State and first assistant referee S. C. Odajiri from Anambra State were particularly fingered by the home supporters.

“The home supporters constantly faulted most of the officials’ calls particularly in the dying minutes and accused them of being incompetent.

“The action of the referee and his first assistant clearly instigated the crowd and I’m sure the NFA will look into such cases,’’ Johnson said

The chairman said he had informed the Chairman of the Referees’ Appointment Committee of the incident and had urged him to appoint intelligent referees for matches.

He said violence could only end in Nigeria football if the officials were cautious.