El Merriekh coach calls for fairness in football officiating after loss
By Liam Josh
El Merriekh Juba football club coach Moro Bosco has called for fairness in match officiating after his team lost to Atlabara 2:1.
The coach says his team was unfairly targeted in the match over something that was not their mistake, making them to doubt the integrity and decisions of the football association.
The game was marred with controversy, as one team was informed to report early but their opponents did not receive any information.
According to an anonymous source that spoke to The City Review, there was to be two games. The first game was to kick off at 1pm while the second at 3pm. However, the first game was postponed, paving the way for the tittle deciding match to take place.
Speaking to The City Review, El Merriekh coach said as per the rule of the match, the team was to report for the match one hour early, but because there are two games to be played in the same venue and that there are no dressing rooms, they decide to came late thinking that the first game was still on going. To their surprise, they saw their opponents already warming up.
Unfortunately, the coach says, his side was not given time to warm up, and this could have contribute to their loss.
The coach called on the Juba football governing body to exercise fairness towards all football clubs as together, these are the clubs that form the Juba local football association.
Meanwhile, the came as a blessing to the Atlabara Football Club, who are just one game away from winning the Juba Local Football League title after beating El Merriekh.
For the Bara boys, the ball is in their court to not win the league title. A win either against Gudele or Zalzal hands the mantle.
Merriekh has done extremely well under coach Moro guidance in the league, only losing their first match against Atlabara. This has given them hope moving into next season. Some pundits believe the decision not to have Moro’s side have their warming session could have led to their first loss of the season.
