Kisumu Allstars head coach Charles Bruno blamed the referees following his team’s 3-2 loss to Fortune Sacco in their National Super League clash over the weekend.
Bruno expressed deep concerns about the decisions made during the match, especially a controversial penalty that he felt should never have been awarded.
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“Fortune Sacco was given a penalty that wasn’t even worth it,” Bruno said. “Even their own bench was surprised at the call. The player lost the ball and slipped on his own, and the referee points to the penalty spot. He came to the match with a fixed mind. We can’t take football like this.”
Bruno’s disappointment extended beyond the penalty decision as he highlighted the investments clubs make, both financially and in terms of travel, only to be met with poor officiating.
“People are investing a lot of money in this. We travel a long distance for the match, then such decisions are made. This has to stop. Football is all about fair play.
“I’m not a person who likes complaining. I’ve never complained about officiating, but the calls made were disappointing. This has to stop. Yes, referees are human, but we can do better,” he added.
Bruno was also upset about Fortune Sacco’s second goal, which he claims was allowed despite two players being in an offside position.
“The second goal had two players offside, and he [the referee] allows it to be a goal. I understand referees are human, but such mistakes in broad daylight? No, that’s not fair. Two good teams playing deserve fair officiating,” he remarked.
The Kisumu Allstars coach emphasized the challenges that teams in the National Super League face and called for improved officiating standards in Kenyan football.
“They don’t know how teams in the National Super League are struggling to honor even the matches. We can do better as a country and with match officials. You can’t come at the end of the game and tell me, ‘Coach, I’m sorry.’ So what? What will it change? We can do better.”
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