In what might be a first in many years, some Silver Strikers officials have commended referee Antony Raphael for competently handling their TNM Super League game against Escom United at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
Silver member of the coaching panel Lingson Maliwa on Monday described Raphael’s officiation as ‘professional.’
In a separate interview, assistant coach Itayi Nundwe could not agree more.
“I am not saying this because we did not lose, but, even in the next game against Red Lions in Zomba, he handled it well,” Nundwe said yesterday when asked about his view of Saturday’s officiation.
In the game against Escom, Silver came from behind to draw 3-3 with Escom who had in the 60th minute goalkeeper Charles Swini red-carded for alleged foul language.
Southern Region Referees Committee general secretary Franscisco Scova on Tuesday said he shared the opinion on Rafael.
“I watched the game and I cannot agree more. Even for the game in Zomba, the teams should carefully think on whether they are justified to, every time they lose, blame referees. I think it is a question of misunderstanding the laws of the game,” said Scova.
There are growing complaints by travelling clubs of referees being biased towards their region’s teams. FAM referees sub-committee has since stepped in to help on allocation of referees.
