Saudi team suspended for poor refereeing in 3SC vs Rangers match — Sport — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

Referee Bashir Saudi from Sokoto has been suspended from officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) by the NPFL Referees Committee.

The suspension of Saudi Arabia was confirmed in a letter to him on Thursday.

This followed the referee’s controversial decision not to award a penalty in the Matchday 35 match between Shooting Stars and Enugu Rangers at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Wednesday, with Shooting Stars winning the match 1-0.

“In view of your lack of judgement and your inability to recognise and put into perspective the elements and considerations in the challenges for the ball which led to your ignoring an obvious penalty situation in match number 354 between the Shooting Stars and Rangers International on 12 June 2024 in Ibadan,” the NFF Referees Committee said in a statement.

“Your action has a detrimental effect on the outcome of the match and therefore I am instructed to inform you that you have resigned indefinitely and with immediate effect.”

Rangers went into their game against the Shooting Stars just four days after their home game against Enyimba ended in controversial circumstances.

When Rangers were awarded a foul shortly before the end, the Enyimba players protested against the decision and their fans invaded the field, which led to the game being abandoned.

Following the incident, Rangers were awarded three points and three goals while Enyimba were fined 10 million naira.

Despite the loss to the Shooting Stars, the Rangers still lead the table with 64 points, just two points ahead of second-placed Remo Stars, with two league games still to play.

Enyimba takes third place with 60 points and Shooting Stars takes fourth place with 59 points.