Eastern Stars boss decries ‘pathetic’ officiating in 4-4 draw with Gigira

 FORMER U23 striker Raymond Gunemba broke his goal-scoring drought with a hattrick as his club, Eastern Star FC, drew with Gigira Laitepo Morobe 4-4 in the only Telikom National Soccer League over the weekend.

He thrilled fans at Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium with three goals, one of which was disallowed in what supporters including the franchise owner Joe Ealedona called a “pathetic” decision. 

Ealedona voiced his concern to the NSL to improve refereeing standards or the semi-professional competition would become a farce.

“I don’t like criticising referees but the officiating of the game was simply pathetic,” Ealedona said. 

“I’ve watched games  most of my life and cannot believe the irrational and illogical decisions of the weekend’s game not only against Eastern Stars but also against Gigira.”

Ealedona said he would file a complaint to the NSL and PNGFA and urged the NSL to ensure there were assessors at every game to discipline officials who are incompetent.

“Gunemba scored a fair goal. 

“The referee awarded the goal and ran to the middle however the linesman, without putting the flag up and standing static, told the referee that Gunemba was off side. 

“Gunemba was never offside.”

The Eastern Star boss said this was one of many mistakes by the referee and it spoiled an otherwise good match.

“Franchise owners spend time and money and strive to excel. But we’ll never improve and football in the PNGwill continue to remain stagnant if we have refereeing standards that are well below par.”

In other match in Goroka, NSL competition manager Edward Tauloi cancelled the match as PNG Paralympic Committee was using the NSI facilities for its national selection trials.