Referee Mohomed Irshan along with the other officials was assaulted by the Java Lane SC players after protesting against a penalty given.
The incident happened at the Java Lane v Nandimithra match in the Dialog Champions League at the City League Football Complex. In the 72nd minute Java Lane goalkeeper Dhammika Senerath made a two footed challenge on a Nandimithra player inside the box breaking his leg. At that time Nandimithra were leading 1-0 from a goal scored in the 52nd minute.
The referee had no hesitation in giving the penalty and was about to brandish the red card when the Java Lane players took matters into their own hands.
“Java Lane’s Madhawa Ruwansiri (No.18), Maxi Lettren (No.12) and No.17 came up to me, pushing, threatening and abusing in foul mouth language. Maxi was not one of the players permitted on the pitch. He was on the bench. They kept pushing me past the half way line and hit me on the head.” stated Referee Irshan who had similar experience a few weeks back at Thihariya Youth grounds speaking exclusively to ThePapare.com.
“I knew the situation is getting out of hand when the fans jumped over the fences into the grounds. We went into the dressing room but the fans and players chased us and we were hit with stones on our way.” He further added.
“We went in and until we called the Police there was no security present at the match. It took one hour for the Police to come and a further two hours for the heat to die down. There is no end to these incidents and they have become regular. The Federation hasn’t taken a firm stand. It was the same a few weeks back at Thihariya.” Irshan went on to say.
In light of the incident the referees have taken a decision not to officiate in the future matches until action is taken. Sunday’s Champions League matches had to be cancelled because of this sudden decision by the referees.
Director of Referees Mahasena Yapa was also in the view that the Football Federation hasn’t taken any initiative to prevent these incidents from happening.
“We will meet today (Monday) to discuss the matter. It is also the players’ responsibility to exhibit their best discipline. The Java Lane players have provoked the fans and the situation has gotten out of hand. It is a serious matter and the player who got tackled has a broken leg.” Yapa added.
Speaking to ThePapare.com referees committee member Mohomed Jazwar had this to say.
“I was not aware of the matter as I was out of Colombo. I will be meeting the Football Federation officials today to discuss the matter and I hope we can sort it out as soon as possible.”
