By Sulayman Bah
Gambian wrestler Boy Balla has expressed his dismay with a match
referee whom he claims refused to acord him enough time in hisbout with by Baye Mandiaye.
The Jabang-based wrestler was left headbowed as Senegalese opponent Baye Mandiaye roared off to victory at the Independence Stadium. Saturday’s combat was Senegal’s third victory in Senegambian Borreh Dorr derby.
But Boy Balla has expressed disatisfaction, according to him, over the manner he was shooed too quickly by the referee into the arena without finishing off his spiritual routines.
“ He should accord me time and fine me if I fail to wrap up on time. I don’t mind being even fined ten times but he should have let me do what I have to do. And beside video replays has shown I didn’t touch the ground on quart-appeal,” Boy Balla moaned while contesting the referee’s decision to hand Baye Mandiaye victory, claiming he didn’t go down on two hands and knees.
The referee association will not comment when reached yesterday.
With an impressive standing statistic of four victories in as five matches, Boy Balla –considered one of last season’s emerging sensations –was tipped to come out unscathed against a stronger experienced opposition from Senegal’s Balla Gaye’s club, Baye Mandiaye.
On paper, Baye Mandiaye was favourite and favourite he was to end of the duel.
Witnessed by hundreds of supporters, the two wrestlers that soaked in holy waters, did not walk into the arena till nigth descended.
Gambia’s Boy Balla retreated out of the sacks under pressure from a charging Baye Mandiaye. Restart of the combat as well marked the end of it as Baye Mandiaye dived a Balla’s right hand blow, grab his opponent’s right leg who eventually fell on the ground.
The action was followed by a upraorious cheers from the stands in a bout that lasted for 15 seconds.]]>
