Referee Suspended Following Controversial Decision in Shooting Stars vs. Rangers International Match
The NPFL board has quickly moved to suspend the centre referee from the matchday 36 game between Shooting Stars and Rangers International. The clash, held on Wednesday night in Ibadan, saw Rangers International’s unbeaten run end in contentious circumstances.
Shooting Stars’ Christian Pyagbara netted the decisive goal in the first half, but the match was overshadowed by a controversial decision to deny Rangers a clear penalty in the second half.
The penalty that was not given..
The ref, Dr. Bashir Saidu from Sokoto SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CmTlc6oS3U
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) June 13, 2024
Referee’s Decision Under Scrutiny
The NFF Referees’ Committee stated that referee Dr. Bashir Saidu “failed to identify and properly consider the challenges for the ball,” leading to the missed penalty call. “Your action adversely affects the outcome of the match and thus, I am directed to notify you that you have been stepped down indefinitely and with immediate effect from the NPFL matches,” the committee declared.
This decision has significantly impacted the NPFL title race, as Rangers International, the league leaders, have lost crucial points in their championship quest. Meanwhile, Shooting Stars extended their impressive home unbeaten streak in front of a lively 10,000-strong crowd in Ibadan.
The NPFL’s prompt response to the refereeing controversy highlights the league’s commitment to fair play and maintaining the competition’s integrity. As the season heads into its final stages, the title race is set to heat up, with teams battling for the coveted trophy and fans eagerly awaiting more thrilling matches.
