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| Sunday, 25 April 2004 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Match referee calls off game after checking on teams by V. T. RAJ - Budulla Sports Corr A local referee went against the decision of the FIFA referees and called off a quarter-final encounter between Badulla and Kalutara in their Eveready under-19 football tournament match which was scheduled to be played last weekend. The reason for calling off the encounter was due to the "overgrown grass" at the Vincent Dias Stadium. In fact overgrown grass were seen at few spots on the grounds. Around 3.30 p.m. on the day of the match, the referee A. H. M. Niyas from Hatton inspected the ground and at that time Kalutara FL. Secretary, Asst. Secretary and several others protested, stating that the ground was unfit to play. However, the referee checked Identity Cards and by 4.15 called the two teams and 'tossed' to commence the encounter. Once again, the Kalutara officials entered the ground and spoke to the referee and immediately thereafter the Referee called off the encounter and returned to the pavilion. Messrs. Anura de Silva and C. A. B. Marasinghe who are FIFA officials present at the ground, confirmed that the ground was fit for play and said that there was no reason for calling off the encounter. The Hatton referee turned a deaf-ear to their comments and called off the encounter. It was alleged that the visiting Kalutara officials have a close link with officials of FFSL and they could play this encounter on their home grounds. However, the Badulla League Secretary E. L. K. Ratnayake has sent a protest to the FFSL Tournament Director M. T. Fernando regarding this incident. |
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