Nigeria Referees Association NRA has threatened to boycott matches in the Nigeria Football Professional League NPFL over the attack by a board member of Dakkada United on one of the referees, who officiated the week four tie in Uyo against Remo Stars of Ikenne-Remo which ended in a one-all draw on Sunday
President of the NRA, Otunba Tade Azeez issued the threat in a petition before the Nigeria Football Federation NFF and League Management Company LMC
Azeez in the petition signed and made available to Edu-Biznews by the association's National Publicity Secretary, Kelechi Mejuobi, expressed his displeasure over the physical assault which according to him, is one of the numerous shenanigans perpetuated by club officials in the domestic league that impede the progress of referees showcasing fair and firm officiating
NRA while awaiting the outcome of the country's football body and organizers of the league on the petition filed before them on the attack, stressed that it would boycott any match venue, where lives and property of officials, could not be protected by security operatives
The association therefore called for stiffer measures by NFF and organizers of the league against the officials and teams found molesting match official, saying refereeing is for the living not dead
The petition reads in parts: "The attention of the Nigeria Referees Association, NRA, has been drawn to a recent inglorious incident at the home ground of NPFL side, Dakkada FC of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state in their week four game against Remo Stars of Ikenne, Ogun State"
"Based on reports available and relying on accounts of the match officials confirmed by circulating video in the social media, a suspected official of Dakkada FC not only physically assaulted one of the referees while trying to walk out of the field of play, but also handed an unimaginable slap to him in the open. To the chagrin of the referees' body, The bestial action of the Dakkaba official was done in the public while being watched by the home team officials, participating teams, spectators and even the security agencies detailed to ensure protection of lives and property at the venue".
"After a careful review of this incident, the NRA is greatly upset by the action of the Dakkaba official. While condemning the indecent act which may prompt the association to seek serious redress through lawful means, the NRA wishes to state that this is just one of the numerous shenanigans perpetuated by club officials in the domestic league that impede the progress of referees showcasing fair and firm officiating".
"The NRA is more saddened that this unpalatable commentary is coming up early in the season when the leadership of the association, in conjunction with the NFF Referees Committee, are working towards a better officiating for the season".
"While waiting for the outcome of the decision of the league organisers and the football body, concerning this abnormality, the NRA in the meantime is constraint to state that it is has considered boycott of future league games this season where insecurity reigns, and lives of referees are not protected".
'Once again, the NRA President assures teams that irrespective of the unsporting behavior perpetuated in the football system to harass, intimidate and assault referees, those on duty shall continue to officiate in accordance with the Laws of the Game."
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