LMC suspends referees, sanctions two players, coach 

The League Management Company (LMC) yesterday suspended two referees, John Charles from Enugu State and Matador Ogunta from Abia State, from further participation in the 2014/2015 Glo Premier league.

Charles was the centre referee, while Ogunta was his assistant in the Week Four match between Sunshine Stars and Dolphins at the Akure Township Stadium at the weekend.

Sunshine Stars beat Dolphins 2-1 in the game.

ccording to the LMC, the match officials were adjudged to have performed below the standard required for top-flight football and capable of bringing the league to disrepute.

Chairman of the Referees Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ahmed Yusuf Fresh announced the decisions and also said the match officials who handled the fixtures in Ilorin and Kano have been formally commended for their excellent performances.

“We made the recommendations to the Referees Committee as a deliberate step to ensure that officiating in the league is fair and consistent with global refereeing standard,” said LMC’s Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar.

Aside the referees, two Sunshine Stars’ players, Prince Aggrey and Ebenezer Odunlami, who stripped themselves to celebrate their winning goal against Dolphins, were suspended for one match each and also fined N50, 000 for indecent exposure and conduct capable of bringing the league to disrepute.

They, however, have 48 hours to accept the LMC decision and/or elect to be dealt with by a special LMC commission.