Ref Scova hits back at critics

Grade One referee Fransisco Scova has responded to allegations of bias levelled against him by Silver Strikers and a section of the soccer fans in the recent TNM Super League match against Big Bullets.

During the game, Scova awarded a penalty to Bullets that enabled them to level the score and the bankers cried foul claiming his decision and officiation in general were questionable.

Scova was subjected to a torrid time by a section of the fans, who accused him of throwing his weight behind Bullets.

The social media sites have been awash since Sunday, with some fans digesting the events at the stadium and Scova’s conduct.

“As a referee, I am not supposed to react, but Silver said a lot of things and some fans even went out of their way by suggesting on social sites that I was bribed to help Bullets’ cause.

“They can say whatever they want to say, but the truth is that I performed according to the rules of my profession as a referee,” said Scova.

He also justified the decision to award Bullets the penalty, saying: “I believe I made the right decision because their [Silver] player tripped Heston Munthali in the box.”

He also claimed that some fans have posted nasty things against him on social media sites.

“The problem is that as referees, we do not have rules to protect ourselves, but I will live the issue in the hands of our national body [National Referees Committee],” he said.

Silver chairperson Dr. McDonald Mafuta-Mwale confirmed that his side has complained against Scova’s conduct.

“Our position is that there is need for the review of the whole game and the referee should be answerable in some ways,” said Mafuta-Mwale.

He also said they have visual footage evidence of the game to prove that Scova failed to take a firm line on the game.

However, NRC general secretary Chris Kalichelo yesterday claimed they were yet to get Silver’s complaint.