Wadunah blames poor refereeing for loss

MADANG Soccer Association executive member Conrad Wadunah described Madang FC’s semifinal loss as a result of poor refereeing.
Wadunah said the decision to give a penalty for handball two minutes before fulltime of extra time was a poor call.
This resulted in City equalising 2-all to force the game into a penalty shootout which the National Soccer League (NSL) defending champions won 5-4.
Wadunah, who is the secretary of the association that backs Madang’s status in the National Soccer League, said they reluctantly let the issue go.
However, he urged referees to ensure such errors were not repeated in the future.
“We were robbed off the final,” Wadunah said.
“I had a word with the referees’ boss Jimmy Warai after the game and he admitted that as well.
“We didn’t appeal because we decided not to, but we are happy with our effort against City.”
Madang will now play FC Morobe Wawens for the third and fourth placing as a curtain raiser to the grand final between Besta PNG United and Toti City FC.
NSL manager Leslie Babaga confirmed that the matter came to their attention, however, there was no appeal by Madang FC.
“There are competition regulations in place that if there is no appeal within 24 hours after the game, no action will be taken and the referee’s decision will stand,” he said.
“If they (Madang FC) wanted a review then they should have brought the matter up straight after the game along with the match commissioner.”
Meanwhile, Babaga said City had qualified for a spot in the OFC Champions League after securing the minor premiership.