By Amaechi Agbo

The Nigerian Referees Association, NRA has disclosed that it will henceforth not send its officials to officiate any Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL matches involving Dakkada FC of Akwa Ibom State, www.bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

The decision to boycott league matches involving Dakkada FC was taken by the referees body sequel to an attack on one of the match officials between Dakkada FC and Remo Stars in Uyo, on Sunday.

An unnamed official of Dakkada FC slapped an assistant referee after the match, consequently, NRA has vowed not to be part of any match in which Dakkada is playing even as the referee body has vowed that it would seek legal action against Dakkada FC and the unnamed official

In a release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Kelechi Mejuobi, the body noted that the action to boycott Dakkada FC matches will extend to other league venues where security of lives of their members is not assured.

Below is the press statement from NRA (UNEDITED)

1. The attention of the Nigeria Referees Association, NRA, has been drawn to a recent inglorious incident at the home ground of NPFL side, Dakkada FC of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state in their week four game against Remo Stars of Ikenne, Ogun State.
2. Based on reports available and relying on accounts of the match officials confirmed by circulating video in the social media, a suspected official of Dakkada FC not only physically assaulted one of the referees while trying to walk out of the field of play, but also handed an unimaginable slap to him in the open. To the chagrin of the referees’ body, The bestial action of the Dakkaba official was done in the public while being watched by the home team officials, participating teams, spectators and even the security agencies detailed to ensure protection of lives and property at the venue.
3. After a careful review of this incident, the NRA is greatly upset by the action of the Dakkaba official. While condemning the indecent act which may prompt the association to seek serious redress through lawful means, the NRA wishes to state that this is just one of the numerous shenanigans perpetuated by club officials in the domestic league that impede the progress of referees showcasing fair and firm officiating.
4. The NRA is more saddened that this unpalatable commentary is coming up early in the season when the leadership of the association, in conjunction with the NFF Referees Committee, are working towards a better officiating for the season.
5. While waiting for the outcome of the decision of the league organisers and the football body, concerning this abnormality, the NRA in the meantime is constraint to state that it is has considered boycott of future league games this season where insecurity reigns, and lives of referees are not protected.

6.According to the president of the NRA, Otunba Tade Azeez, referees won’t honour Dakkada home matches and any other grounds referees are molested this season for any reason.

7.Otunba Tade Azeez who said refereeing is for the living and not for the dead further requested league organisers and the football house to ensure stiffer measures are handed to teams and officials found wanting in this aspect.

8.Once again, the NRA President assures teams that irrespective of the unsporting behavior perpetuated in the football system to harass, intimidate and assault referees, those on duty shall continue to officiate in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

Kelechi Mejuobi
National Publicity Secretary, NPS

Nigeria Referees Association, NRA