President of the Nigeria Referee Association NRA, Otunba Tade Azeez, has stated that referee will not to honor Dakkada International home matches and any other grounds where referees are molested this season for any reason.
This was made known in a publication released by the Nigeria Referee Association NRA, on Wednesday.
“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”, The Release Reads.
“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.
“According to the president of the NRA, Otunba Tade Azeez, referees won’t honour Dakkada home matches and any other grounds referees are molested this season for any reason.
“Otunba Tade Azeez who said refereeing is for the living and not for the dead further requested league organisers and the football house to ensure stiffer measures are handed to teams and officials found wanting in this aspect.
“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.
Dakkada International will remain at home this weekend when they take on Nasarawa United at the Nest Of Champions In Uyo.