Coach Smith Criticizes Colleagues for Blaming Referees after Matches

Coach Akande Fatai Adejumo Smith of the Lagos based BYT Football Academy has publicly criticized football coaches who blame referees for their teams’ defeats. Speaking after his team’s 4-1 loss to Ojodu City FC in the Nationwide League One NLO Lagos zone 2, Smith emphasized that coaches should focus on their players’ performances rather than attributing poor results to officiating.

Smith, who also serves as the national coordinator and head of protocol for the Elite Football Coaches of African Nations EFCAN in Nigeria, underscored the importance of ethical behavior and coaching intervention during matches. He pointed out that it is unethical for coaches to attempt to influence match outcomes through referees, suggesting that such behavior diverts attention from player development and genuine coaching.

Drawing on his recent match experience, Smith explained how he refuses to allow referees’ decisions to dictate the outcome of his games. He detailed a moment in the match against Ojodu City where his team failed to capitalize on a scoring opportunity, asserting that the blame lay with his players’ performance, not the referee’s actions.

Smith concluded by advising his peers against the practice of bribing referees, arguing that investment in players’ welfare and development should take precedence over seeking unfair advantages in games. His comments have sparked a dialogue on the integrity and focus required in football coaching.

Editorial

As stewards of the beautiful game, football coaches bear a profound responsibility not only to their teams but also to the spirit of sport itself. Coach Akande Fatai Adejumo Smith’s recent remarks bring to light an issue too often whispered about in the corridors of football stadiums the unethical blaming of referees for poor team performance.

This blame game undermines the very essence of sportsmanship and the developmental goals of football. It is essential that coaches harness moments of loss as opportunities for reflection and improvement rather than deflecting responsibility onto match officials. Such behavior not only compromises the integrity of the sport but also stunts the growth of the players who look up to these figures for guidance and mentorship.

We, the community that cherishes and upholds the values of fair play, must advocate for a shift towards accountability and ethical coaching practices. It is not the decisions of referees that define the quality and outcome of a football match but the preparedness, skill, and sportsmanship of the players and the strategic acumen of their coaches.

Let us champion the cause of ethical coaching that focuses on player development and true competition, ensuring that the beautiful game remains just that beautiful.

Did You Know?

1. The Nationwide League One NLO is the third tier of football in Nigeria, serving as a feeder league to the Nigerian National League.
2. EFCAN, where Coach Smith serves, is dedicated to promoting ethical coaching and excellence among football coaches in Africa.
3. Referees in professional football undergo extensive training and must pass fitness and rules knowledge tests to be certified at different levels of the game.
4. Ethical coaching in sports not only involves strategies related to the game but also includes fostering good sportsmanship and integrity among players.
5. Coaching intervention techniques during matches can include real time analysis and tactical adjustments, which are critical for adapting to the dynamic nature of the game.