Football: Referees risk lives in Masaza Cup Tounament

KAMPALA. In sport worldwide, the title ‘referee’ is held in a high regard. It doesn’t matter how small or big they are, referees watch and officiate games closely to ensure that the rules are adhered to and arbitrate on matters arising from the play.
When they are not there, undoubtedly the game can’t be there.

So? They, referees are a Fundamental asset in any a game.
But going by standards, that can’t be said in Buganda’s Masaza Cup as of now. For a tournament that has clocked fourteen years, very few understands who the referee is and how they operate.
They are our own. The usual one. Not so special. Many a times, such has been the axiom of some fans.
On a watchful memo, fans don’t know where they should stop when expressing their dissatisfaction during or after the game. They act like they are the Custodians of knowledge over referees, so inciting violence through invading playgrounds, using obscene words and attacking referees physically had become part of their DNA to dictate the end results.
Ever since this season started lately in June, some referees have been officiating games with a lot of fear and stress altogether narrowed under their necks.
Many have been brutally assaulted by fans, who Masaza Cup committee chairperson Sulaiman Ssejjengo labelled ‘hooligans’, and team officials with the latest being, Ashadu Ssemeere.
To him, Ssemeere, his memory won’t forget the whole ordeal as it transpired as he officiated a game between Busujju and Gomba at Kakindu Playground last Sunday.
The car, Toyata G- touring (UAJ 949J) which he was travelling in too did not survive. A mammoth Crowd of fans believed to be supporters of Gomba team swamped it front and back pelting rapid stones and sticksMaking it a game of their own.
Such, stupidity left both the front and back windows broken.
“We condemn the fans hooliganism. Teams; Buddu, Gomba and others we are watching. Next time whoever found guilty faces suspension from the tournament,” Ssejjengo told the SCORE.