NPFL Standings: Referee suspended for robbing Rangers of penalty against Shooting Stars in Ibadan

The NPFL board has swiftly suspended the centre referee involved in the matchday 36 clash between Shooting Stars and Rangers International.

The match played on Wednesday night in Ibadan saw Rangers International's unbeaten run come to an agonising end in controversial circumstances. 

Shooting Stars' Christian Pyagbara scored the decisive goal in the first half, but the game was marred by a controversial decision to deny Rangers a clear penalty in the second period.

According to the NFF Referees' Committee, the referee, Dr. Bashir Saidu, failed to identify and properly consider the challenges for the ball, leading to the ignored penalty situation. 

This decision has added another twist to the NPFL title race, as Rangers International, the league leaders, have dropped crucial points in their quest for the championship. 

Shooting Stars, on the other hand, have extended their impressive home unbeaten streak in front of a lively 10,000-strong crowd in Ibadan.

The NPFL's swift action against the referee underscores the league's commitment to ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of the competition. 

As the season enters its final stretch, the title race is sure to intensify, with teams vying for the coveted trophy and fans eagerly anticipating more thrilling encounters.