Jigawa Golden Stars Football Club has lodged a formal protest against what it described as biased officiating, harassment, and post-match misconduct during its fixture against Barau FC Kano held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Kazaure Township Stadium.
In a statement by the club’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Isyaku, the team expressed grave concern over the integrity of officiating during the match.
The club accused match officials of denying them two clear penalties, issuing an unjust red card to star player Musa Musa, and allowing two controversial goals for Barau FC despite apparent offside and handball infractions.
Beyond the officiating issues, Jigawa Golden Stars alleged that their players and officials were harassed and intimidated by a large, hostile crowd mobilized by the opposing team.
The club also reported the presence of armed individuals falsely posing as security personnel, which contributed to an unsafe and chaotic atmosphere.
The protest further highlighted post-match irregularities, claiming that Barau FC’s management whisked the referees away to an undisclosed location, in violation of match protocol that requires officials to remain accessible for post-match formalities and reports.
To ensure justice and restore confidence in the game, the club is calling on football authorities, including the NFF, NNL, and Nigeria Referees Association to launch an impartial investigation, sanction those involved, and strengthen protocols for referee accountability and stadium security.
Jigawa Golden Stars also stated that they have compiled strong evidence including video footage, photographs, and eyewitness accounts to support their claims, and they are ready to provide the materials upon request.
The club emphasized the need to uphold fair play and integrity in Nigerian football and expressed hope for swift and decisive action from the relevant authorities.
USMAN MUHAMMAD ZARIA
