By: Pa Barrow
Latrikunda United head coach Ansu Fatty has called on Gambian referees to protect players in the Second Division League of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF).
The coach for the second division side appealed to The Gambia Referee’s Association to develop measures to ensure their referees protect players playing their trade in the second tier, which he said could help them achieve their dreams as upcoming young players.
“I was not satisfied with the match officials’ results and performance. This is because certain things are unacceptable at this stage of the competition. However, this is the second tier of Gambian football, and we deserve better officiating,” Fatty said.
“I will call on the referees association of the Gambia to better assess their match officials at all playing grounds. The players need protection at this stage of their careers to progress to the next level,” he maintained.
Coach Fatty highlighted that some of the judgments made by certain referees are unacceptable and must be urgently addressed.
“The referees need to understand that we are not enemies but partners in this game. So, it does not matter if the decision goes against my team. One thing that concerns me is the safety of the players which should not be compromised because these are young players with a brighter future ahead of them,” he told TAT in an exclusive interview.
The Latrikunda gaffer disputed that the referees need to protect young players, adding that this would be a hard path for them to reach the highest level of their careers.
“I have not watched other matches but heard complaints about officiating, and I am calling on the association to take steps and ensure players are fully protected,” Fatty stated.
Coach Ansu Fatty’s team, Latrikunda United, played a barren goalless draw against struggling Kanifing United yesterday at the Bakau Mini Stadium in week nine of the GFF National Division Two League.
