Kogi Referees Recommend Five-year Ban for Kabawa United Officials, Fans

By Ibrahim Oyewale

Following assault and act of hooliganism exhibited by the supporters of Kabawa United Football Club, Kogi State Football Referee Council has recommended a five-year ban
for Kabawa United FC officials and supporters in any football related activities identified to be involved in beating a referee to coma.

The recommendation was handed down a few days after the Kogi State Football Association slammed the club with a two years ban from all football related activities.

A centre referee in the State FA Chairman cup final, Haruna Shaibu, was beaten to coma by irate fans of Kabawa United.

In a communique by its Chairman, Ibraheem Adams and Secretary, Nnda Umar, the referee council recommended a strict punishment for Kabawa united officials,

According to the communique, it is fans who serve as deterrence to others to resolve that. In the absence of a serious and effective security arrangement, the council will not honour any match from the State Football Association.

The communique read in part: “The emergency meeting of Kogi State Referees Council was held to discuss assaults on our referees by some Kabawa United FC officials and some supporters at the finals of the first edition of Kogi State FA Chairman’s Cup at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja on Friday, October 15.

“The council had an exhaustive deliberation and the following resolutions and recommendations were made: The council commended the organizer of the competition, Kogi State Football Association, for all the arrangements put in place to ensure a hitch-free tournament.”

However, according to the communique, the unfortunate incident on that day should be re-examined with the view to forestalling future occurrence.

It noted that the the State Football Association “should consider the valuables lost and the medical bills incurred by the referees. The total amount is 881,500. That, a compensation of #100,000 each be paid to the four referees involved.

“That Kabawa United FC officials and supporters identified to be involved be banned from participating in any football activities in the state for a period of five years. That as a matter of urgency, the State Football Association should organize seminars and workshops for our security personnel to keep them abreast with their expected role at match venues.

“The council emphasized on the need for solidarity amongst referees as had been the practice, to always defend colleagues in all activities and situations. The council pledged her continuous loyalty and support to the State Football Association.

“The council observed the good and fair officiating by the referees at the competition and commended all of them for a good job and being good ambassadors of the council.”