26th April, 2012
Team Manager of Handsworth, Tajudeen Olasukanmi, has blamed poor officiating for his team’s defeat in Round of 16 of the ongoing Ogun State Challenge Cup.
Defending Champion, Handsworth FC, lost 0-1 to Wusu FC in the round of 16 played on Monday at the Mko Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Olasukanmi said his team would have defeated their opponents but the centre referee denied them the opportunity of reaching the quarter final.
“I’m sad because my team played against the centre referee. The officiating was not only biased but killed the morale of my boys throughout the game,” he said.
However, Secretary of Ogun State Football Association, Kehinde Oyenekan, has expressed disappointment over the allegation raised by the team manager, saying he was disappointed that Olasukanmi could blame the centre referee for their defeat.
“Olasukanmi really disappointed me because when they won last edition, he did not complain of poor officiating. All I can say is that Wusu FC outplayed them and the officiating was fair to both sides,” Oyenekan fumed.
Meanwhile,Wusu FC of Idi Iroko and Remo Star will trade tackles in the quarter final match this evening at the MKO Stadium, Abeokuta.
Wusu FC have a smooth ride to the quarter final They defeated Ikosi Isheri team 2-0 in the first round and upset the defending champions, Handsworth, 1-0 in the second round tie.
—Sunday Akintoye