Outrage As NRA Retires NPFL Referee Ismaila Rasheed A Season After Promotion

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Concerned Nigerians have raised alarm over the retirement handed an NPFL Referee, Ismaila Rasheed of Kwara State Referees Council by the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NRA)

The young and vibrant arbiter’s name had emerged among 26 referees retired sequel to the recommendation of NFF Referees Appointment Committee.

Referee Rasheed Ismaila was famous for picking an 87th minute offside goal in the NPFL match day 27 between Kano Pillars and Akwa United played at Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

His decision, which nullified Nyima Nwagua’s effort at goal was upheld by centre referee from Ondo State, Olayombo Oluwabunmi.

As the assistant referee 1 in match, he was almost lynched by the fans of Kano Pillars who had invaded the pitch in a protest to his stance.

In response to the situation, the game was eventually suspended and later completed the following morning, ending 0-0.

The LMC would consequently fined Kano Pillars a total amount of N7.5million for breaching Covid-19 protocols of match venue and fans encroachment.

Ismaila ,who had only spent a season in NPFL has described the decision as injustice.

When the flag went off

” I don’t know what I have done wrong to deserve this injustice. I did the right thing and the whole world can see the video to justify my decision” said Rasheed in a an interview with www.owosports.com.ng.

“I have not clocked 40 years which is believed to be the benchmark for referee retirement and my performance last season was really top notch giving that it was my first campaign and I was determined to improve it on it going forward” says the Kwara born arbiter.

Some alleged that the decision was a witch hunting as the referees’ action didn’t really go down well with football stakeholders and fans in the pyramid city.

Ismaila,who expressed his dissapointment about the development says he was on duty for four matches last season, one of his outing as a fourth official.

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