Rivers United vs 3SC: Alleged Poor Officiating Sparks Controversy

In a heated fallout from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 7 encounter between Rivers United and Shooting Stars (3SC), allegations of poor officiating and unsporting behavior have surfaced, causing tension within the football community.

The controversy stems from Niger State Football Referee Council member, Abubakar Abdullahi, being involved in questionable officiating decisions, which some claim unfairly favored the home side, Rivers United.

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Additionally, accusations arose regarding an alleged “uncensored substance” sprinkled inside the net by a non-accredited individual at halftime.

Former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Committee, Barrister Christopher Green, who also serves as Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, has been at the center of the debate.

Speaking on Sports World Platform, in response to the allegations, Green questioned the specifics of the officiating errors, stating, “I thought you would have spotted the exact questionable calls and to who’s favour.

The goals scored were also questionable? or the build-up. Maybe we need some education on the laws and application of the laws of the game.

Maybe you would want to see the goals and the build-up.”

This has drawn sharp criticism from various football stakeholders, including  Sunday Agunbiade, who expressed disappointment at Green’s defense of the situation.

Agunbiade called into question the integrity of the league and its officials, accusing Rivers United of engaging in actions that would not be permissible in international competitions such as CAF and FIFA-organized events.

“Barrister Chris Green, as much as I respect you on football related matters and I found it very appalling to believe someone like you would come out to defend an embarrassing situation in Portharcourt, What a world!”

He further criticized the league’s governing body, urging them to investigate the matter to protect the NPFL’s reputation.

This incident has raised concerns about the transparency and credibility of the officiating in Nigeria’s top football league.

As the NPFL board prepares to address these allegations, fans and football analysts await a decisive outcome that will uphold the integrity of the sport.

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