Boboye denies allegations of misconduct and sets to appeal NPFL ban

Kennedy Boboye has denied allegations of verbally abusing and intimidating match officials following Bendel Insurance’s 2-2 draw against Plateau United, resulting in a heavy penalty from the League.

In an interview with Brila.net, Boboye insisted his interaction with the referee was limited to a question about a controversial late decision.

Retracting the incident, Boboye explained that his behavior could not be considered aggressive.

“We were playing a game and in the 94th minute the referee called a foul against Plateau United and showed the striker a yellow card.

“Now, we were tending to our goalkeeper when AR 1 called the referee and when they were done, the man changed his decision and awarded a penalty to Plateau United and gave my goalkeeper a yellow card. That penalty was taken and they tied 2-2.

“After the match I approached the referee and asked him what the decision was about. I was just asking a question, he didn’t answer me, he didn’t say anything, he just said they had made their decision and that’s it.

“I said, ‘Okay, no problem.’ And I went back to the dugout. The fans were screaming trying to destabilize the game, but my sports commissioner stood his ground.

“The Commissioner took them to his dressing room, stayed with them, finished changing with them, took them to his official car and took the match officials to their hotel.

“However, yesterday (Monday) I received the news that I had been suspended for 17 games. I asked if it was a crime to ask questions. It always happens in Europe, coaches can ask questions to referees if they are not satisfied.

“If the referee likes it, he responds, if he doesn’t like it, he remains silent as he did and I respect that.”

He continued: “So for them to say I slapped the referee, at my age and at this time, why would I do that?”

Boboye added that the Edo State Commissioner for Sports witnessed the entire incident and confirmed that there was no physical altercation.

He also revealed that Bendel Insurance FC has initiated efforts to challenge the ruling.

“My club told me they would appeal, yesterday they received an official email, they sent it to me. I spoke with my president, who also confirmed my case, that I did not touch the referee.

“There is also the issue that the League’s board of directors has not yet contacted me to hear my side of the story before making that decision.”

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Meanwhile, the NPFL handed Boboye a 17-match suspension and a £2m fine for serious misconduct.

Bendel Insurance was also fined £7m for security breaches, including failure to control fans and accessing restricted areas, while the club will play its next three home games behind closed doors.