By Akinwale Kasali
Ramond Football Club have condemned in its entirety the unsportsmanlike attitude of their opponent, TOMA Football Club in the 2021 Lagos FA Cup held in Epe, Lagos.
This prompted the Management of Ramond FC to petition the Lagos State Football Association, urging it to investigate the issue and let justice takes it cause.
The Chairman of Ramond FC, Oluwaremilekun Adebanjo, narrated the ordeal of his team in the match leading to their loss and exit from the competition.
Adebanjo said that officiating in the first half was worthwhile, though his team was trailing 2-1.
On resumption in the second half, his team fired from all cylinders and got the a well deserved penalty, with the goalkeeper of its opponent, TOMA FC, red carded.
Immediately the referee gave TOMA FC goalkeeper the marching order, the Manager of TOMA FC was said to have invaded the pitch, halting proceedings of the match, threatening that the goalkeeper won’t leave the pitch.
“It was surprising to see the Manager of TOMA FC invading the pitch in an unsportsmanlike manner, and ordering his goalkeeper not to leave the pitch.
“He also got support from fans as TOMA FC is based in Epe where the match was played. Due to fear of the unknown and for the safety of my players and management, we couldn’t utter a word but was patiently waiting for the officials to give directives on the next line of action.
“After several minutes of delay, with pleads from all quarters, the TOMA FC management allowed hostilities to commence at the expense of my players who were already walked up, jittery, destabilized and psychologically down.
“The referees were scared as their safety wasn’t certain. The officials seeing the situation of things advised we petition the Lagos FA, as they were going to do same in their report.
“Though my team converted the spot kick, and the game ended with both team locked at 2-2, needing penalties to separate the teams. We lost on penalties, but, this could have been averted if TOMA FC hadn’t send fears down the spine of my players who were scared of been hurt as their lives were on the line after threat by TOMA FC Manager”.
Adebanjo added that with the pedigree of the Lagos FA, such things shouldn’t be encouraged as it diminishes the reputation of the FA, making it a laughing stock among its peers in the round leather game.
Ramond FC is appealing to the Lagos FA to address the situation to forestall further occurrences, curtailing the excesses of TOMA FC and its management, sanctioning the Club to deter other teams from doing such.
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