By Albert Akota
A FIFA Licensed referee Michael Usie, has availed the Under-17 national team, Golden Eaglets benefits of his experience with a lecture on the stipulated laws of the game.
At an interactive session at the team’s Princeville Hotel Camp in Calabar yesterday, Usie, a Nigeria Premier League referee and International referee since 2008 dwelled on the vexed Law 11 and 12 which respectively emphasised on offside rules and; fouls and misconduct.
“It is very necessary that you know the rules guiding the game because you make the referees’ job easier when you understand the rules,” stated 37-year-old Usie.
Usie who incidentally officiated the Golden Eaglets’ goalless draw against Nationwide Division Two side, Anantigha Stars on Saturday, used the opportunity to address glaring errors committed by the players.
He warned the players against taking the law into their hands since the only constituted authority is the centre referee and his assistants.
“Both the centre referee and the assistants work hand-in-hand and you must respect them,” he admonished.” In fact, the referee mostly rely on the assistants in determining off side position and irrespective of what you think, the assistant referee is as powerful as the referee”, he concluded.
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