Referees to keep away from Zahira, Wesley and Maliyadeva games

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Society (SLRRS) will not provide their referees for any matches involving Wesley College, Maliyadeva College, and Zahira College, until a firm decision is made on the safety of the players and match officials, being looked in to by event organisers Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SSRFA).

The Wesley vs. Royal game had to be stopped for about 10 minutes as the referee (Dinka) tried to get the spectators from both sides out of the playing area. Soon after the game, a brawl broke out between the spectators of both teams, with the referee being escorted into the dressing room for safety soon afterwards.

The previous day in Kurunegala, the Maliyadeva vs. St Thomas’ game saw the hosting team supporters rushing on to the field as soon as the final whistle was blown by the referee. Then they attempted to get hold of the referee, but they were not successful.

Referees Society President Nizam Jamaldeen, speaking to Daily FT, said: “We will not provide referees for Zahira, Wesley and Maliyadeva encounters whether it’s home or away for these three schools. We have informed the President of the Schools Rugby on this matter through writing. The home team should take full responsibility for the visiting team, supporters and match officials’ safety.”

Zahira and Joes battled out in a hotly contested game, where usually well behaved and cool Zahirian Head Coach and former national sevens player Shamly Nawas was given a “Yellow Card” by referee Aruna Shantha, after some comments being made on the refereeing and his decisions.

According to a reliable source, a meeting will take place within the next few days between referees, sponsors, and concerned schools, along with the Schools rugby section, to iron out the issue without any disruption of the Singer League, which is only two more games per team from coming to an end.