NPFL Standings: Referee suspended for robbing Rangers of penalty against Shooting Stars in Ibadan

Shooting Stars vs Rangers International

NPFL Standings: Referee suspended for robbing Rangers of penalty against Shooting Stars in Ibadan

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 17:28 - 13.06.2024

The NPFL board has stepped down the centre referee in the all-important matchday 36 clash between Shooting Stars and Rangers International in Ibadan.

The NPFL board has swiftly suspended the centre referee involved in the matchday 36 clash between Shooting Stars and Rangers International.

The match played on Wednesday night in Ibadan saw Rangers International's unbeaten run come to an agonising end in controversial circumstances. 

Shooting Stars vs Rangers: Ref stepped down

Shooting Stars' Christian Pyagbara scored the decisive goal in the first half, but the game was marred by a controversial decision to deny Rangers a clear penalty in the second period.

According to the NFF Referees' Committee, the referee, Dr. Bashir Saidu, failed to identify and properly consider the challenges for the ball, leading to the ignored penalty situation. 

Shooting Stars hero Christain Pyagbara (in blue) contest with a Rangers defender.
Shooting Stars hero Christain Pyagbara (in blue) contest with a Rangers defender. (Photo Credit: Rangers_Int't/X)

"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 stated in a statement.

This decision has added another twist to the NPFL title race, as Rangers International, the league leaders, have dropped crucial points in their quest for the championship. 

Shooting Stars, on the other hand, have extended their impressive home unbeaten streak in front of a lively 10,000-strong crowd in Ibadan.

The NPFL's swift action against the referee underscores the league's commitment to ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of the competition. 

Rangers saw their lead at the top chopped down to two points.
Rangers saw their lead at the top chopped down to two points.

As the season enters its final stretch, the title race is sure to intensify, with teams vying for the coveted trophy and fans eagerly anticipating more thrilling encounters.

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