RED CARD FOR SIX REFEREES

Suspended for making ‘inaccurate decisions’

MOHD FITRIE MUHAMAD mfitrie@nstp.com.my

SIX referees have been suspended for two weeks by the FA of Malaysia for making “inaccurate decisions” in the M-League last season. Four other referees were also temporarily sidelined by the FAM referees committee.

The referees committee made the decision after receiving 18 complaints from M-League teams.

Referees committee chairman Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh said the fate of the four match officials, who have been temporarily suspended, will be decided at a referees performance evaluation meeting.

“The action was taken after we looked into the complaints received.

On the four referees, Subkhiddin said: “It’s either we let them resume duty in high-level competitions, suspension for a certain period or demotion to a lower tier league.

“Whatever it is, we will take a closer look and re-evaluate their mistakes. This step is necessary to ensure the league goes smoothly as well as preserving the competition’s image.”

From the 18 complaints received last season, the referees department also issued two warnings to a referee while another match official was transferred to lower-tier competitions. Five complaints were found to be without justifications.

For the 2018 M-League season, as many as 191 referees are expected to be on duty and the number is expected to go up after a second fitness test scheduled for February.

FAM referee department head, Kassim Kadir Bacha said: “Malaysian referees are among the best in Southeast Asia. Many of our referees have been invited to officiate matches in countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.”

We will look and re-evaluate their mistakes. This step is necessary to ensure the league goes smoothly as well as preserving the competition’s image.

SUBKHIDDIN MOHD SALLEH

Referees committee chairman