Samoan Rugby referees want their safety and security guaranteed before accepting further whistling duties following recent acts of violence against match officials.
Samoa Observer reports that the latest incident was at the Chanel College grounds during a Faleata Rugby Union club game last weekend.
Fans chased the referee from the field and there were clashes with supporters of the referee.
Before that, a 16-year-old match official was punched and knocked out, needing hospitalisation, and yet another referee needed a medical check after being assaulted during a school’s rugby game.
These cases have all been reported to the police.
Samoa Rugby Referees Association member Avii Faalupega Magele said the situation is worsening every weekend.
“I think it is not a new issue but I have started to realise that it is worsening. The referees have been physically abused on the field and off the field. It is very disappointing and sad in a country founded on God and we are a Christian nation with those religious beliefs and values,” she said.
“It is threatening us. The biggest concern is, who wants to referee?”
The violence against referees has arisen from fans not being content with the match officials’ on-field decisions.
Magele said people often disagree with the referee but they should not resort to violence and there are avenues for lodging complaints.
She added that the situation has come to a point that some referees association opted not to officiate any more matches.
Photo: Samoa Observer
