In a heated aftermath of the NPFL Match Day 17 clash between Shooting Stars and Bayelsa United which ended 1-0, an incensed Bayelsa United assistant coach, John Aranka, in a post-match interview, expressed his anger and frustration over what he deemed controversial referee decisions.
Bayelsa United’s 1-0 loss to Shooting Stars was marred by disputed referee decisions, according to Assistant Coach John Aranka.
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Aranka criticized the centre referee, Imamu Maliki, for disqualifying three goals scored by Bayelsa United during the match.
“It is an embarrassment to Nigerian football. The centre referee should be banned for life!”
The assistant coach also claimed that the referee denied Bayelsa United three penalties, further contributing to their sense of injustice.
“This is an embarrassment to Nigerian football. The Nations Cup is just around the corner. We don’t have one referee at AFCON because of our poor and wicked performance of the officiating in our leagues. How can we take this to the Nations Cup?”
Aranka raised concerns about the referee’s decision to issue five yellow cards to Bayelsa United players in a single match, deeming them unnecessary.
“The referee (Imamu Maliki) should be banned for life!”
Aranka called for severe consequences, suggesting a lifetime ban for the referee and expressing worry about the impact such officiating might have on Nigerian representation at the upcoming AFCON.
The controversial loss and the subsequent outburst by Bayelsa United’s coaching staff highlight the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding match officiating in Nigerian football, prompting discussions about the need for improved standards to uphold the integrity of the game.
