Moroof Oluwa, the Secretary of Nigeria Football Referees Association, on Tuesday warned that the association would punish teams whose fans engaged in unruly acts against referees.
Oluwa gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja while speaking on ways to guarantee safety of referees during football matches.
He said that the lives of referees were more valuable and important not only their families, but to the association.
He said: “We are going to take drastic action against any form of violence on referees in order to preserve the integrity and life of our referees.
“Very soon, we shall announce punitive measures in order to deter such rampant occurrences.”
The secretary blamed the incessant attacks on referees on the ignorance of football fans on the rules, adding that teams would still be held accountable for any form of violation.
Oluwa explained that many football fans had violated the rules of football engagement even without knowing the consequences.
According to him, it is now time for NRA to bring the full weight of the consequences on them.
He said: “Many referees all over the world have been victimised, physically and psychologically by irate football fans causing disabilities.”