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Fiji Time: 6:03 AM on Thursday 20 June

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Referees call for better security

Zanzeer Singh
Tuesday, October 16, 2012

THE Fiji Football Referees Association will be submitting a proposal to Fiji FA seeking better security for its members during major tournaments.

This is after the match officials were the target of angry fans during the final of the Courts Inter District Championship between Ba and Suva at Govind Park on Sunday.

FFRA president Mahendra Singh described Sunday's incident as dangerous. He said the reaction of the crowd was disappointing.

"The crowd was influenced by Ba team walking off the field," Singh said. "The crowd was unruly. They hurled a lot of abuse. Certainly the match officials were targeted. But the decisions made by the match officials were correct. The goal to Suva was awarded correctly.

"We will hold an urgent meeting to discuss the issue. The safety of our members is paramount. We will draw up a proposal and forward it to the Fiji FA. We would like to thank the police officers for their assistance."

The final between Ba and Suva was abandoned by referee Andrew Achari after Ba players walked off the field late in the second spell of extra time.