Piqued by the continued attacks on Nigeria referees during and after matches in the Nigerian leagues, the Nigeria referee Association (NRA) President, Mr. Tade Azeez has said that the lives of the referees are so dear to the association and cannot it will no longer allow them to be exposed to danger.
Tad, who had threatened to pull out his men from officiating matches in the Nigeria Professional Football League, in statement released, following attack on match officials during Match Day 26 match between Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists, said it is not ideal to unleash attack on referees.
"I have value for the lives of my referees, we cannot expose their lives to danger, you cannot kill them like that, it is not done anywhere in the world," Azeez said.
The president, who spoke on a local television programme, said that what fans do not understand is that Nigerian referees are prone to mistake because they are humans and are short of advanced equipment that would aid their job.
"In Nigeria, referees do not have the opportunity of using communication gadgets and other equipment to ensure that they do not make mistakes," he added.
Also, the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) Shehu Dikko said violence is something that usually erupts in football, but with continued education of fans, the problem will be nipped in the bud. he said:
"I believe it is a matter of education, it is something that usually happens in football. Security personnel should know that their job starts before, during and after the game,"