Kennedy Boboye has denied allegations of verbally abusing and intimidating match officials following Bendel Insurance’s 2-2 draw against Plateau United for which he has been handed a steep penalty by the League.
In an interview with Brila.net, Boboye insisted his interaction with the referee was limited to a question over a controversial late decision.
Recanting the incident, Boboye explained that his conduct couldn’t have been considered as aggressive.
“We were playing a game and in the 94th minute the referee called a foul against Plateau united, and gave the striker a yellow card.
“Now, we were treating our goalkeeper when the AR 1 called the Referee and by the time they were done, the man changed his decision and awarded Plateau United a penalty and gave my goalkeeper a yellow card. That penalty was taken and they equalized 2-2.
“After the match I walked up to the referee and asked what the call was about. I was just asking a question he didn’t answer me, he didn’t say anything he just said they have taken their decision and that’s all.
“I said, “okay, no problem.” And I returned to the bench. The fans were shouting trying to destabilize the game, but, my commissioner of sports stood his ground.
“The Commissioner took them into their dressing room stayed with them, finished changing with them he took them to their official car and took the match Officials to their hotel.
“However, yesterday (Monday) I got the news that I have been banned from 17 matches. I asked is it an offence to ask questions. It happens in Europe every time, coaches can ask referees questions if they aren’t satisfied.
“If the referee likes he answers if he doesn’t like he keeps mute like the way he did and I respect that.”
He continued: “So for them to say I slapped the referee, at my age and in this time, why would I do that.“
Boboye added that the Edo State Commissioner for Sports witnessed the entire incident and confirmed there was no physical altercation.
He also revealed that Bendel Insurance FC have begun steps to challenge the ruling.
“My club told me they would appeal it, they received official mail yesterday – sent it to me. I spoke to my chairman who also confirmed my case; that I didn’t touch the referee.
“There’s also the matter of the League board that is yet to contact me to hear my side of the story before taking that decision.“
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Meanwhile, the NPFL has handed Boboye a 17-match suspension and a ₦2 million fine for gross misconduct.
Bendel Insurance were also fined ₦7 million for security breaches, including failure to control fans and allowing access to restricted areas, while the club will play their next three home matches behind closed doors.
