Officials from the Central Region Chipiku Premier Division teams have expressed their anger on what they call ‘biased officiation’ from the referees.
Luanar FC were the first team to complain about officiation last weekend when they played out a 3-3 draw against Silver Strikers Reserve.
This proceeded to the mid week fixtures as both Wimbe United and Support Battalion coaches slammed referees for some errors that denied them victories.
Support Battalion coach Alick Chirwa said “It was a good game, we were supposed to win but referees robbed us maximum points. Their last goal was not supposed to stand”
His opponent Jam Binali also pointed the Support Battalion’s last goal saying it was scored from an offside position.
Support Battalion relayed on a brace from Gift Kadam’manja and a goal from Lumbani Mkandawire to secure a draw where as Wimbe United three goals came from Philip Mkandawire, Yankho Sikelo and Jawadu Ausi.
There was another outcry in a game between Extreme FC and nine-man Mbabzi United which ended 2-1 in favour of the former.
Chifundo George gave Extreme the lead which was cancelled by Sosten Esau for Mbabzi United. But Aaron Chikuni restored Extreme lead inside seven minutes of added time to give his side a 2-1 victory.
Joseph Malizani coach for Extreme FC admitted it wasn’t an easy match.
“We failed to play our usual game because our opponent were using aerial balls, it was 1-1 at 90 minutes, we tried to incourage our boys to keep on fighting and we got a goal towards the last minutes of the added time” said Malizani
Mike Banda for Mbadzi United believes referees had a hand on their stumble.
“Two red cards against us costed us three points, we have conceded the defeat but I would urge referees to handle games fairly without favouring any team” said Banda
The win has helped Extreme to open seven points gap over second placed team Wimbe United. Extreme has played three games, one more than Wimbe United.
