Referee Chrisantus Okoro Blows The Whistle On Insecurity At Match Venues

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) referee Chrisantus Okoro has declared that the football authorities should take drastic action against home teams whose supporters run foul of the rules.

Recall that the Week 29 Premier League game between Kwara United and Warri Wolves could not be concluded after the assistant referee Durunna CIB was beaten up by supporters of the Ilorin based outfit.

Chrisantus Okoro, who was in charge of officiating, had to call off the match at half time.

Speaking to allnigeriasoccer.com, Chrisantus Okoro said :“Barrister Leye Adepoju, and others of the NFF O&D should sit-up and take decisions that are backed up by the rules.

“Outright relegation or 10 points deduction and banishment away from home for 10  games and fines will help.”

It is common knowledge that referees are not adequately protected by security at match venues, and there are instances that officials award questionable last minute penalties to the home teams to appease the fans from being restless.

But Okoro has defended his colleagues, stating that laws are followed no matter the timing of the incident.

“There is no time within the duration of the game that it (a penalty) can not be given, if and only if, it is well deserved.”

The arbiter from Imo State diplomatically refused to comment on whether the home teams try to bribe match officials to influence the outcome of games even before teams step on the pitch.