Suswam pleads for suspended Lobi Stars players

Four key players of the team, Umar Zango, Son Hingir, John George and Okardi Blessing have been fined N200,000 each and suspended indefinitely by the Nigeria Premier League following their alleged assault on the match officials particularly the centre referee A.A Akinwale. Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, the captain of Lobi Stars said it is rather […]

Four key players of the team, Umar Zango, Son Hingir, John George and Okardi Blessing have been fined N200,000 each and suspended indefinitely by the Nigeria Premier League following their alleged assault on the match officials particularly the centre referee A.A Akinwale.

Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, the captain of Lobi Stars said it is rather unfortunate that the incident occurred but the NPL should tamper justice with mercy by reducing the indefinite suspension to may be three matches which he said is enough to deter the players from further participation in any acts of violence.

Suswam regretted that the players have been suspended at a very critical time when the club is not doing particularly well and is struggling to avoid slipping down into the relegation zone.

“I also saw the incident on TV but I want to plead on behalf of my colleagues for the indefinite suspension to be reduced. They should be handed may be three match ban plus the fine of N200, 000 which in my mind is enough punishment.

“At the moment, we are not doing very well in the League and the absence of these players will affect us. I hope that our management too will try its best to convince the NPL to re-consider its decision on the players.

The captain said even if the indefinite suspension is not reduced, the remaining players will carry on with the fight to stay away from relegation.

The absence of Hingir, Okardi, George and Zango will affect us but that is not to say without them there is no Lobi Stars. Those of us who are eligible to play we do our best to fill the vacuum created by their suspension”.

Suswam however called on Nigerian referees to improve on their officiating as he said most times, their questionable decisions elicit the violence which is witnessed at match venues.

“Referees are human beings but they must strive to make less mistakes. Most times, their calls are questionable and when a team which is in our kind of condition is further punished by such deliberate mistakes, it is bound to bring forth negative consequences”.

Suswam said the unfortunate incident in Makurdi `should not be enough for the NPL to kill a fly with a sledgehammer.