Ranchers Bees boss Abd’Allah angry over officiating in Rivers United draw

Ranchers Bees technical adviser Usman Abd’Allah has criticised the officiating after his side were held to a 0-0 draw by Rivers United in their matchday six fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday.

Abd’Allah believes Ranchers Bees should have been awarded two penalties during a closely contested match and said the decisions cost his team all three points.

“I think we lost two points. We only have one, which is better than having none. Everyone can see what happened in the game. I have to commend the players despite everything,” Abd’Allah said in his post-match interview.

The former coach also questioned the standard of refereeing in the Nigerian league, while stopping short of calling for action against the official involved.

“This is where the Nigerian league is at the moment. Sometimes, it is beyond football. You can see two penalties that were not awarded to us,” he said.

“If you look at the game, the referee was totally biased. Again, I don’t want to dwell too much on that because the harm has already been done. The points cannot be recovered.

“Even if you punish the referee, our club has already been punished by him. We can’t get the full points. But it is okay; I’m not trying to incite any violence.”

The result leaves Ranchers Bees having played all six of their matches away from their home base in Kaduna, according to Abd’Allah, who believes the return to their own ground could improve the team’s prospects.

The coach said playing at a neutral venue had made his side feel as though they were constantly on the road, with the absence of home support another disadvantage.

“Probably when we go back to our home in Kaduna, it will help us because we are like playing away. We have played six matches already this season, and it feels like the same thing,” Abd’Allah added.

He also argued that the circumstances surrounding the match raised questions about the fairness of the competition.

“Sometimes, when you have your home support, it is good. If Rivers United can come away and get this type of officiating, then the purpose of the league is not justified,” he said.

Despite his frustration, Abd’Allah insisted Ranchers Bees would continue their campaign and would not allow the disputed decisions to affect their resolve.

“We will go back and not give up. This type of intimidation will not make us give up. We are still pushing, and we will see what we can do,” he said.

Ranchers Bees will next travel to Kwara, where Abd’Allah hopes they can make up for the points dropped against Rivers United.

“We will go to Kwara and try to recover the lost points here,” he added.