Euromatch NPFL: Bendel Insurance Protest Rangers’ 1-0 Victory Over Alleged Breach Of IFAB Law

Bendel Insurance have confirmed that they have submitted a strongly worded protest letter to the Nigeria Premier Football League ,NPFL, following their 1-0 defeat to Enugu Rangers in a rescheduled Matchday 9 fixture played in Awka, Anambra State, on Wednesday,

The Benin Arsenals are challenging the validity of Rangers’ winning goal, which was scored in the 47th minute, arguing that it should not have been allowed because the goalpost crossbar had become displaced before the ball was struck into the net.

Bendel Insurance Protest Non-Application Of Law

In a statement signed by the club’s Head of Media, Kehinde Osagiede, and obtained by Completesports.com, Bendel Insurance argued that allowing the goal to stand amounted to a violation of IFAB Law 110.

“IFAB Law 110 is very clear. When a crossbar becomes displaced or broken, play MUST be stopped until it is repaired or replaced. This was not done,” the club stated.

Rangers’ Winning Goal Should Not Have Stood

The Benin-based side maintained that play should have been stopped immediately after the goal frame became displaced. They further argued that the goal should have been disallowed because it was scored while the goal frame was not in its proper position.

Read Also:Euromatch NPFL: ‘They Outplayed Us’ –Kwara United Goalkeeper Admits Bendel Insurance Superiority After Home Loss

Bendel Insurance stressed that their protest was not based on a subjective interpretation of the Laws of the Game or a mere refereeing judgment, but on what they described as a factual failure to apply the relevant regulations.

“Since the goal determined the outcome, the irregularity materially affected the result,” the club added.

The club was also careful to clarify that its petition was not an allegation of deliberate wrongdoing against the match officials.

“Rather, it is a formal challenge to the application of the Laws, with particular emphasis on player safety, competitive fairness and the integrity of the NPFL,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Rangers remain top of the NPFL standings with 21 points from 10 matches and a game in hand, while Bendel Insurance occupy fourth position with 18 points.