Two referees were sent home by the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) for making a blunder in the Vodafone Fiji FACT pool match between Nadi and Dreketi on Saturday at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.

Ravitesh Behari and assistant referee Adriu Naisiroki were sent home for the red card decision made on Dreketi goalkeeper Waisake Ravuiwasa.

Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel said they overturned the decision.

“We looked into the case and decided to overturn the decision of the referees and in doing so we have sent the referees home from the tournament.

“The two referees wrongfully red carded Dreketi goalkeeper for handling the ball outside the box.

“And following the review and the report by assessors it was found that Ravuiwasa did not handle the ball.”

Meanwhile, Dreketi coach Johan Leewai said the decision by the referees did a lot of damage for the side.

“We hope that referees improve their match control as teams have to suffer because of wrong decisions.

“Our goalkeeper did not handle the ball and that decision blew our chances of qualifying,”Leewai said.

“We are happy that justice has been done by Fiji FA in overruling the decision.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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