Insecurity Promotes Poor Officiating – Referee

A football referee, Henry Ochei, has said that insecurity at match venues was a challenge to good officiating in the country.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) referee said that a secured match venue would promote better officiating of matches in the league.

He told newsmen in Lagos that a referee who felt threatened by possible attack may not be able to discharge his duties fairly.

“Security is a key issue in ensuring that officiating in our various leagues is fair enough.

“This is because a match venue that is safe will help the referee to be relaxed and to focus on doing a better job than when in a tense environment,” he said.

Ochei added that an improvement in the welfare of referees would also help in ensuring better officiating at matches.

“Apart from having a match venue that is secured, an improved welfare package for referees will ensure that match officials do not compromise themselves,” he said.

The referee, however, commended the management of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), for endeavouring to improve upon the technical skills of referees through seminars.