Chisi Mbewe, the head coach for Red Arrows has criticized the match officials for poor officiating, after his side registered an away draw against FC Leopards in Kabwe on Saturday.
In a Week 25 fixture at President’s stadium, Red Arrows missed a chance to reduce the gap on log leaders, Power Dynamos.
After beating Kansanshi Dynamos last weekend, Arrows failed to sustain their winning momentum away from home.
The draw result has left Red Arrows stuck in second position with 47 points from 25 matches played, four points behind, Power Dynamos, who have a game in hand.
Reacting to the result, Mbewe condemned the match officials for poor officiating.
“Coming to the game, we knew that it was not going to be an easy game playing FC Leopards, who are in the relegation zone, but again, I think I won’t hide my emotions and feelings about the match officials. I think he did not do a good job. I think there were some decisions that were questionable, especially on our side,” he said.
In the 53rd minute, tensions escalated following a free kick delivered into the Arrows penalty area. The ball appeared to strike a hand of FC Leopards player but the referee waved play on and that sparked furious protests from Red Arrows players.
Diarra sent off.
Not happy with the protest, the referee, Given Lushomwa issued multiple yellow cards, with Nickson Mubili, Thomas Zulu and Albert Kangwanda on the receiving end.
From that point the match lost its rhythm and became a stop-start affair dominated by fouls, protests and repeated interruptions.
In the 70th minute, Thomas Zulu went down injured, but Arrows officials complained after the referee, did not pay much attention. Zulu was later, stretched off.
In the 87th minute, Allasane Diarra was sent off following a second bookable offense.
“But again, he is a human being; we can’t continue crying over spilled water. His decisions are final; otherwise, the boys would have fought. I think we were just unfortunate that we couldn’t walk away with three points,” added Mbewe.
Looking ahead, Red Arrows will shift focus to their next game as they prepare to face Nkwazi on Thursday.
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