By Politico Staff Writer
In light of an incident of an attack on a female referee, Marie Koroma, and other match officials during the match between FC Kallon Female and Mogbwemo Queens FC on Friday 9th February 2024 at the MK 3/10 playing field in Angola Town, both clubs have condemned what they described as the violent attack of match officials.
A statement issued by Mogbwemo Queens on the 12th of February 2024 noted that such behaviour has no place in sport or community, and it goes against the principles of fair play and sportsmanship that we strive to uphold.
It stated that their immediate concern was the safety and protection of the match officials, who played a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the game. The club extends its deepest sympathies to the match officials who were subjected to “this unwarranted act of insult and violence” as they stand firmly in support of all match officials, emphasizing the need for respect and understanding of the challenging role they undertake.
The release called for increased awareness and respect for women in all aspects of life, including sports where everyone, regardless of gender, should be allowed to pursue their passion and contribute to their respective fields without the looming threat of violence.
It urged all stakeholders, including players, fans, and officials, to reflect on their actions and consider the impact they have on the broader sports community, urging everyone to recommit themselves to the values of fair play, respect, and integrity that lie at the core of the beloved sport.
It emphasized the importance of following due process in handling such incidences as it promised to cooperate fully with relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the ‘barbaric attack are held accountable.’
It called on everyone to stand united against violence, advocate for the protection of match officials, and strive to create an environment where they can pursue their passions without fear of intimidation or violence.
Also, the management of FC Kallon condemns the reprehensive violence perpetrated by fans on referee madam Koroma as such behavior is utterly unacceptable and tarnishes the Integrity of the sport.
The club’s statement indicated that a thorough investigation will be conducted, including a review of the video footage to identify and hold accountable those who are responsible for ‘those disgraceful actions.’
“We stand firm in our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all players and officials and spectators. We will take decisive action against any individuals found to have engaged in violent behavior,” part of the release reads.
However, the club in the statement also expressed concern over what it referred to as “the incompetence and deliberate actions of some referees to determine matches in their interest against FC Kallon.” It recalled the performance of the officiating team in the match between FC Kallon female and Mogbwemo Queens, saying “it said was completely terrible and unacceptable.”
It complained that one of their players, Alice Koroma who is a defender is in a critical health condition, “due to the centre referee failing to interpret the football ruling on head injury (concoction) as expected.”
It could be recalled that the centre referee’s attack during the aforementioned match has raised eyebrows in not just the football community in the country, but the general public as a whole which has prompted calls for appropriate action concerning the attack on the female referee who was spotted in a social media video being attacked as a few security officials present try to protect her from the irate fans.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (14/02/24)
