By Sulayman Bah
A referee was forced to be rescued after his controversial ruling sparked angry reactions from fans last week.
In what was a crunch semi-final clash in the ongoing Foni District tournament, the central referee drew the fury of an impressive spectator turnout when he made a controversial call that most believe, gifted one of the sides Bulock A passage to the finals consequently triggering opponents Sutusinjang’s exit.
Played at the Bullock mini-stadium, one of Bullock A’s players appeared to collide with Sutusinjang goalkeeper. The referee whistled for a free-kick which Bullock’s Lamin Jammeh immaculately slammed home in the 33rd minute and proved decisive.
Fans besieged the pitch at the end of the game launching volley of invectives at the referee before pursuing him. Sensing danger, Ansumana Colley, the losing side Sutusinjang’s sponsor, was forced to rescue the referee, ensuring his escape on his vehicle.
The situation wasn’t helped by the absence of security personnel.
‘Referees need to avoid making bad decision,’ Colley would later tell journalists.
‘Fans reacted because of the referee’s decision. It’s football, however we are united’ Ansumana doubling as the losing side’s team manager, said.
Confident of clinching the trophy
Bullock coach Adama Badjie who was in the sidelines of the match. told journalist he’s buoyed of winning the coveted gong.
‘I’m confident of winning the final against Brefet,’ Badjie who scooped two trophies with Ndemban Jola before returning to aid his village, said, adding Sutusinjang are a free-flowing ball team.
‘But I asked my boys to score. It was tough’ he says.
His opposing number in the dug-out Omar Manga rued his side’s profligacy in front of goal and the two penalty appeals turned down by the referee while bemoaning the controversial goal his side conceded as foul on his keeper. Gaffer Manga’s skipper Ebrima Badjie made echoed similar remarks.
Brefet now faces Bullock A in the finals after jettisoning Bajana on 4-2 post-match kicks after regular time produced a one-all stalemate.
