The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Committee has taken disciplinary action against two match officials following the controversial officiating in the NPFL Matchday 24 encounter between Heartland FC and Shooting Stars at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday.
Centre referee Kolawole Emmanuel and referee assessor Joshua Amao, both from Kwara State, have been suspended over their roles in the contentious fixture, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Heartland FC.
Emmanuel came under scrutiny for awarding a questionable penalty that ultimately influenced the outcome of the game. His decision, deemed inconsistent with the rules of the game, sparked outrage from fans and stakeholders alike.
Meanwhile, assessor Amao was penalized for failing to highlight such key officiating errors in his match report, a move the committee believes undermines the integrity of the sport.
In a letter addressed to both officials via the Kwara State Football Association and signed on behalf of the NFF Referees Committee chairman by Mohammed Ameenu sighted by our correspondent Tuesday emphasized that such incidents have the potential to disrupt the game’s fairness and credibility.
Thee decision to step down the officials reinforces the NFF’s commitment to maintaining high refereeing standards in the domestic league, ensuring that matches are officiated fairly and within the laws of the game.
The letter from the NFF Referee Committee read: “Reference to your decisions that adversely affects not only the outcome of the match between Heartland FC and Shooting Stars played on Sunday wherein you awarded penalties that were not in line the provisions of the laws of the game.
“In similar perspective, the Referee Assessor failed in his duty by not only refusing to report such a glaring display of impunity but also tried to justify the decisions taken by his referee.
“Your actions did not only negatively affect the outcome of the match but equally brings the game to disrepute.
“I am therefore, directed to notify you that you have been stepped down indefinitely and with immediate effect from the league.”